India pushes for bigger naval fleet with Rs 5,000-crore investment after Op Sindoor
This expansion will double MDL's current deadweight handling capacity from 40,000 tonnes to 80,000 tonnes. Additionally, the shipyard aims to achieve a total capacity of 2 lakh deadweight tonnes, utilising 37 acres of land it has already acquired at Nhava Sheva port.Last year, MDL secured a 29-year lease for 15 acres of land from the Mumbai Port Authority, where shipbuilding activities have already commenced. With the new expansion, MDL will be better positioned to meet the Indian Navy's growing demand for advanced naval platforms.Currently, MDL has the capacity to build 11 submarines and 10 warships at once. This capability is set to grow further as the shipyard works on two major submarine projects for the Navy, valued at over Rs 1.06 lakh crore. These projects are expected to significantly enhance India's undersea warfare capabilities.Despite these developments, India's shipbuilding output remains considerably lower than that of China, which has the world's largest naval fleet of over 370 ships. However, by increasing its indigenous manufacturing capacity and modernising shipyard infrastructure, India aims to bridge the gap and reinforce its maritime strength.The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the new facility will support both the construction and timely repair and upgrade of naval assets. The expansion is part of India's broader strategic vision to ensure timely delivery of critical naval platforms.MDL, which celebrated its 250th anniversary recently, has a rich legacy of maritime manufacturing. Established in 1774 and taken over by the Indian government in 1960, the dockyard has built over 800 ships, including 31 capital warships and eight submarines, and has exported 214 vessels to international clients.The latest move is expected to play a key role in achieving the Indian Navy's ambitious target of building a 175 Capital Ship Navy and reaching 100 percent indigenisation by 2047. The expansion marks a major milestone in India's pursuit of strategic self-reliance and maritime dominance.- EndsTrending Reel
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