The Maharashtra government has initiated a comprehensive review of three coastal locations — Nandgaon, Dighi, and Vijaydurg — as part of a proposed large-scale shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure development initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s coastal economy and industrial capabilities.
The review was undertaken during a high-level meeting at Mantralaya, chaired by Fisheries and Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane. Officials were instructed to begin field inspections, feasibility studies, maritime infrastructure assessments, land reclamation planning, and traffic launching surveys for the shortlisted sites.
According to officials, the exercise is intended to prepare technical and preliminary project reports that could help attract investments from private shipbuilding companies and maritime sector operators. Detailed presentations were made on factors such as geological conditions, water depth, industrial viability, connectivity, and coastal infrastructure potential at all three locations.
Special focus was placed on Sindhudurg district due to its strategic location near Goa and its growing potential for maritime and port-led development.
Officials informed the meeting that Nandgaon in Palghar district, situated nearly 140 km from Mumbai, offers strategic advantages because of its proximity to major infrastructure corridors and the Tarapur Atomic Power Station. However, the site also presents significant technical and environmental challenges. Authorities noted that the region has loose sedimentary geological conditions and shallow rocky stretches, requiring extensive dredging activity. Ships may need to travel nearly four kilometres into the sea to reach the required navigational depth.
Environmental concerns were also highlighted as portions of the area fall under CRZ-1 and CRZ-3 coastal regulation zones.
Authorities said preliminary layouts have already been prepared for all three sites. Due to limited coastal land availability, proposed shipbuilding yards are expected to be developed on reclaimed land created from the sea, while auxiliary infrastructure facilities will be built nearby.
Minister Rane directed officials to identify approximately 30 acres of land in Sindhudurg and undertake a detailed assessment of forest clearance-related issues. He also instructed departments to immediately begin on-ground surveys and submit detailed reports at the earliest.
The Maharashtra government stated that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote investments in shipbuilding, maritime logistics, coastal tourism, and allied marine industries across the state’s coastline.
Source: The Free Press Journal
