India is making a bold move to transform its shipbuilding industry with a massive investment of over ₹200 billion. The Maharashtra government has nearly finalised a site south of Dighi Port for a large-scale shipbuilding cluster, with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (a state-owned company).
The cluster is designed to achieve an annual capacity of at least 500,000 gross tons, with a total cluster capacity of approximately 1.2 million gross tons. The central government has approved ₹198.99 billion for the project, which aims to develop three to four new shipbuilding clusters across different states.
India’s ambition is striking
The nation plans to increase shipbuilding output 40 times by 2037, targeting 4.5 million gross tons annually.
Adding further momentum, the Tata Group has committed ₹100 billion to a new shipbuilding venture in Kerala. This is company’s first major entry into maritime manufacturing. The proposal is in its final approval stage, with land allocation and formal clearance expected by August 2026. While exact production figures are yet to be disclosed, the project aligns with India’s “Make in India” initiative and growing maritime cooperation with South Korea.
The Kerala government envisions a complete maritime ecosystem around the ports of Vizhinjam and Kochi, covering shipbuilding, repair, and logistics.
