Maharashtra to boost maritime trade with 6 new shipyard clusters
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the nodal agency for the initiative, has identified six potential sites, with Nandgaon (Palghar), Dighi (Raigad), and Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg) shortlisted for the first cluster.
Maharashtra is set to strengthen its maritime economy with plans to establish six large-scale shipyard clusters along its coastline, aiming to attract over ₹6,600 crore in investments and generate 40,000 jobs by 2030.
The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the nodal agency for the initiative, has identified six potential sites, with Nandgaon (Palghar), Dighi (Raigad), and Vijaydurg (Sindhudurg) shortlisted for the first cluster. A consultant will soon be appointed to carry out a techno-economic feasibility study and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The planned facilities include:
Nandgaon Shipyard: the largest cluster, spanning 2,666 acres (2,444 acres of land and 225 acres of intertidal zone).
Dighi Shipyard: spread across 2,550 acres.
Vijaydurg Shipyard: requiring 1,371 acres.
The consultant’s mandate will cover market and financial analysis, engineering design, environmental and social assessments, and risk mitigation strategies.
A senior state official said the framework will “incorporate global best practices, comply with international standards, and promote indigenous shipbuilding while positioning Maharashtra as a global maritime hub.” A tender has already been floated to appoint the consultant.
The initiative builds on the Shipbuilding, Ship Repair and Ship Recycling Policy, 2025, approved by the state cabinet in April. The policy offers a 15% capital subsidy, skill development support of up to ₹1 crore per project, R&D incentives up to ₹25 crore, and land allocation on concessional terms with 30-year renewable leases.
Officials said development will follow a phased approach, starting with one shipyard cluster. Expansion to other sites will depend on industry response and investment inflows.
