India to invest over half a billion dollars to expand naval shipyard – media
India is planning to invest up to $588 million in its shipbuilding infrastructure in Mumbai, India Today reports, citing sources.
Government-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is looking to reclaim 10 acres of marine area near its existing Mumbai facility to create two new basins for the simultaneous construction and repair of large warships and submarines, according to the report.
The expansion will help the dockyard meet the Indian Navy’s increasing demand for advanced platforms, according to the report.
It will also help double the current deadweight handling capacity from 40,000 tons to 80,000 tons. Deadweight handling capacity refers to the total weight a ship can carry, excluding the weight of the ship.
MDL has also secured a 29-year lease for 15 acres of land, where shipbuilding activities have already begun.
It currently has a capacity to build 11 submarines and 10 warships simultaneously, which is expected to increase as the shipyard works on two major submarine projects for the navy.
The Mumbai expansion is also expected to play a crucial role in helping the Indian Navy achieve its ambitious goal of having a fleet of 175 ships and reaching 100% indigenization by 2047.
Earlier this month, Andrey Puchkov, CEO of Russia’s largest shipbuilding company, United Shipbuilding Corporation, said the company would like to take part in Indian defense indigenization efforts.
India is building frigates which are part of the Triput class at the Goa shipyard, with transfer of technology and design assistance from Russia.
