PM Modi Announces ₹4,000 Crore Investment for Modernisation of Dredging Corporation of India

By Admin

01 Nov, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a massive ₹4,000 crore investment plan to modernise the Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) during the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. According to an official company statement, the investment aims to upgrade DCIL’s fleet and boost its operational capacity, thereby strengthening India’s dredging infrastructure and maritime efficiency.

Focus on Fleet Modernisation and Capacity Enhancement
The strategic investment will primarily focus on fleet modernisation and capacity expansion. DCIL currently operates 10 Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs) with a combined hopper capacity of around 60,000 cubic metres, enabling the company to handle 50–60 million cubic metres of dredging annually. This capacity accounts for approximately 55% of India’s total dredging requirement of 110–120 million cubic metres per year.

Leadership’s Vision and Government Support
DCIL Chairman and Chairperson of Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Mumbai Port, M. Angamuthu, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) for their continued guidance and visionary leadership. He highlighted that this investment will not only boost India’s maritime infrastructure but also pave the way for enhanced efficiency and sustainability in dredging operations.

New Dredger Procurement and Upcoming Projects
Managing Director & CEO of DCIL, S. Divakar, detailed the company’s upcoming expansion plans. The Ministry has already sanctioned the procurement of three new TSHDs, with DCIL having placed an order for one 12,000 CuM vessel, DCI Dredge Godavari, in March 2022. The vessel was recently launched and is expected to be delivered by July 2026 at Visakhapatnam. Orders for another 12,000 CuM TSHD and an additional dredger will soon follow.

In addition, DCIL plans to acquire one Cutter Suction Dredger, a water injection dredger, a smaller-capacity TSHD for shallow draft operations, and six beaver dredgers of varying capacities to cater to inland waterways and canal dredging.

Strengthening India’s Maritime Future
The total investment of ₹4,000 crore will support the procurement of 11 new dredgers and other advanced modernisation initiatives. “This expansion will strengthen DCI’s leadership in maintenance dredging and help it establish a strong foothold in capital dredging as well,” said Divakar.

DCIL’s Role Under Port Consortium
DCIL operates under a consortium of four major ports   Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA)   all functioning under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways. The new investment is expected to significantly enhance India’s self-reliance in dredging, align with the Maritime India Vision 2030, and further position India as a global maritime power.