Shipbuilding Project: Sindhudurg Priority, Rane

Mumbai, May 7 (PTI) Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane on Thursday directed officials to undertake detailed surveys and infrastructure planning for proposed shipbuilding projects at Nandgaon, Dighi and Vijaydurg, while stressing that Sindhudurg district should receive special focus due to its maritime development potential.

At a review meeting held in the state secretariat, officials presented technical and economic assessments of the three proposed sites, including details related to sea depth, geological conditions, connectivity and future industrial opportunities, an official release informed.

Rane said Sindhudurg, owing to its proximity to Goa and favourable maritime conditions, should be prioritised for future development.

"Special attention should be given to Sindhudurg district as it is close to Goa and has strong potential for maritime development. Around 30 acres of land should be identified and issues related to forest clearances must be assessed clearly," the minister said while directing authorities to immediately conduct field surveys of the proposed locations and submit reports.

According to the release, preliminary layouts have been prepared for all three locations. Since land availability along the coast is limited, parts of the shipbuilding infrastructure may have to be developed through reclamation in the sea, it added.


Officials informed the meeting that the core shipbuilding facilities would be developed on reclaimed land, while supporting infrastructure would be built alongside.

The presentation noted that Nandgaon in Palghar district, around 140 km from Mumbai, has strategic importance because of its proximity to the Tarapur atomic power station. However, the site has loose sedimentary geological formations and hard rock at shallow depths, requiring extensive dredging work.

The release said a distance of nearly four kilometres into the sea would be required to achieve adequate depth for shipbuilding operations. The site also falls under CRZ-1 and CRZ-3 categories, making environmental clearances a key factor.

At the same time, Nandgaon was found to have strong connectivity through national highways, the Dedicated Freight Corridor and proposed infrastructure projects.

The release said the government is carrying out strategic planning across coastal regions in view of growing investment opportunities in shipbuilding, shipping, maritime tourism and allied sectors.