Gujarat has unveiled plans to develop three greenfield shipyards, an integrated mega shipbuilding cluster and six new ports along its coastline, marking one of India’s largest maritime infrastructure expansion programmes as the state moves to strengthen its position as the country’s leading port and shipbuilding hub.
How much investment is Gujarat’s shipbuilding expansion expected to attract?
Industry estimates suggest the combined projects could draw investment of over Rs 35,000 crore. Ajay Kumar, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, said the shipbuilding cluster alone is expected to attract an estimated investment of Rs 25,000 crore, with support from the central government.
What has the Gujarat Maritime Board proposed?
The Gujarat Maritime Board has floated two Expressions of Interest covering projects spread across more than 4,500 hectares. These include shipyards with capacity to build 3 to 3.9 million gross tonnes of vessels annually, along with six greenfield ports to be developed under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer model.
Where will the new shipyards and shipbuilding cluster be located?
The three greenfield shipyards are planned at Mithapur in Devbhumi Dwarka, Ghogha in Bhavnagar and Vadhera in Amreli. The Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Cluster is proposed at Kuchhadi in Porbandar, positioning the projects across Gujarat’s western and southern coastline in areas with existing industrial ecosystems and maritime connectivity.
What is the timeline for submitting proposals?
EOI documents are available for download from the Gujarat Maritime Board’s official tender portal. The last date for submission is September 21, 2026, at 18:10 hours IST, giving interested developers and investors a defined window to respond to the state’s expansion plans.
What does this mean for India’s shipbuilding ambitions?
The move positions Gujarat at the centre of India’s push to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity and reduce reliance on foreign yards, aligning with national efforts to build a stronger maritime manufacturing base and support the government’s broader shipbuilding policy goals.
