Fadnavis orders blueprint for India’s largest shipyard in Maharashtra

By Admin

12 Dec, 2025

Strengthening India’s Maritime Future: Maharashtra Charts a New Course

Maharashtra is preparing to take a monumental leap in India’s maritime sector, as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to create a comprehensive action plan for establishing the country’s largest shipyard in the state. With a vast 720-km coastline, the rapidly developing Vadhavan port, and abundant opportunities for maritime growth, the state aims to position itself as a powerhouse in shipbuilding and coastal infrastructure.

Review Meeting Sets Vision for Mega Shipyard

During a review meeting of the Ports Development Department held in the ministerial council hall of Vidhan Bhavan, Nagpur where the winter session of the state legislature is underway Fadnavis emphasized the urgency of preparing a detailed project report (DPR). Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane was also present as key officials discussed the roadmap for this ambitious initiative. The CM highlighted that the shipyard’s location must be finalized at the earliest to accelerate development.

Boost from Rail & Road Connectivity

Fadnavis underlined the importance of strong connectivity to support port-led development. The proposed Vaibhavwadi (Sindhudurg)–Kolhapur railway line is expected to enhance growth in ports such as Angre, Redi, and Vijaydurg. Additionally, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) is constructing a highway from Vadhavan port in Palghar district to Nashik, ensuring seamless cargo movement and industrial expansion along the corridor. The CM stressed that a well-planned development strategy on both sides of this highway is essential.

Strategic Institutional Moves for Industrial Growth

To fuel industrialization in coastal regions, Fadnavis proposed setting up a joint company between MIDC (Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation) and the Ports Department. He also recommended establishing a special planning authority to oversee integrated development around major ports, especially considering the massive scale of the upcoming Vadhavan port.

Mumbai Water Metro: A Step Toward Green Marine Transit

The review meeting also focused on the futuristic Mumbai Water Metro project. Fadnavis emphasized that the water metro should be larger in scale than Kochi’s and eventually operate fully electric boats, with hybrid vessels used in the initial phase. This project includes 21 terminals and a vast 200-nautical-mile network, aimed at transforming urban water connectivity. With Maharashtra currently handling 1.80 crore passengers annually across 36 routes 1.6 crore of them in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region the water metro promises to bring a revolutionary shift in public water transport.

A Bold Road Ahead

The state’s integrated approach boosting shipbuilding capacity, enhancing port infrastructure, upgrading water transport, and strengthening industrial corridors signals a new era for maritime advancement in Maharashtra. With clear directives from the Chief Minister and ongoing preparation of the DPR, India’s largest shipyard may soon become a reality, reshaping the country's maritime capabilities and economic potential.