Maharashtra fast-tracks three coastal shipbuilding hubs to lure investors

The Maharashtra government is pushing ahead with plans to develop shipbuilding hubs along its coastline. Three key locations—Nandgaon, Dighi, and Vijaydurg—have been shortlisted for major investments in the sector. Officials are now preparing detailed reports to attract private funding and speed up project execution. The state has already drafted preliminary layouts for all three sites, with shipbuilding facilities set to be built on reclaimed land. Nandgaon, located in Palghar district, stands out due to its strategic position—just 140 km from Mumbai and close to the Tarapur Atomic Power Station. Its connectivity is further boosted by nearby national highways and the Dedicated Freight Corridor.

However, the site faces challenges. Nandgaon falls under CRZ-1 and CRZ-3 environmental zones, which may complicate approvals. The area also requires significant dredging because of its shallow, rocky seabed and unstable sediment layers. Meanwhile, in Sindhudurg, officials have identified around 30 acres of land for the Vijaydurg project.

Minister Nitesh Rane has instructed teams to begin ground surveys immediately and submit findings without delay. The government’s broader strategy includes compiling technical data and preliminary reports to make these locations more appealing to private investors. The shipbuilding initiative aims to transform Maharashtra’s coastal regions into industrial hubs. By addressing environmental and logistical hurdles early, the state hopes to secure private investments and accelerate development. The next steps involve detailed surveys and regulatory clearances for the proposed sites.