A major project in the shipbuilding sector is being prepared for launch in the Raigad district of Maharashtra state. A green shipbuilding cluster is planned to be established in Digi with investments reaching approximately 27,000 crore rupees. According to the Maharashtra government, this project has the potential to provide around 90,000 jobs.
The project will be implemented by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), which will prepare modern facilities for the construction of large commercial vessels. The Maharashtra government announced this on Tuesday, stating that MDL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Shipbuilding and Maritime Logistics Industrial Park (NSHIPML) in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
This project is being realized under the central government's green shipbuilding cluster development program. Its main goal is to increase the country's potential in large-scale shipbuilding and strengthen the entire shipbuilding industry.
The proposed project involves an investment of about 27,000 crore rupees. According to the government, the cluster to be created in Digi will be capable of building large commercial ships. This project is expected to increase India's maritime industry potential and stimulate other related sectors such as supply chains and industrial activities.
Under the agreement, MDL aims to create a shipbuilding capacity of at least 2 million cargo tons annually in Digi. This indicates plans for the large-scale development of the cluster. In addition to the ship-building capability itself, the necessary infrastructure for other shipbuilding-related work will be created. The green shipbuilding cluster in Digi is being developed jointly by the Maharatrum Marine Council and the Mumbai Port Trust, and NSHIPML has been established as a Special Purpose Company (SPC).
The government notes that this project aligns with the goals of the 'Maritime Golden Age 2047' vision. According to the official statement, in addition to the modern shipbuilding infrastructure complex, industrial and network infrastructure supporting the maritime industry will be developed. This is expected to promote the development of necessary materials, services, and other industrial activities for shipbuilding.
This project will also have a significant impact on the labor market. The Maharashtra government forecasts the creation of around 90,000 jobs, including positions not only in shipbuilding but also in supply chains and allied fields. Captain Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, stated that the company will work towards creating a modern and globally competitive shipbuilding base in Digi with the support of all stakeholders. Captain Jagmohan and Pradip P, Managing Director of NSHIPML, signed the MoU.
The project in Digi goes beyond simply establishing a shipyard; it aims to form a network of related industries alongside increasing the capacity for manufacturing large vessels. If the project is implemented according to plan, it will benefit not only Maharashtra but the entire shipbuilding and maritime industry of the country.