New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three significant infrastructure projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore at a ceremony on January 17, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala. The unveiling will take place at the Wellingdon Island and will include the New Dry Dock Facility at the Cochin Shipyard, the International Ship Repair facility at Wellingdon Island, and the Indian Oil Corporation’s LPG Import Terminal at Puthuvypeen.
The New Dry Dock facility, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,799 crore, stands as the country’s largest dry dock. Capable of accommodating LNG Carriers, large vessels, and oil rigs, it features a dual purpose, equipped with a 600-tonne gantry crane for ship construction and repairs. Eliminating dependency on foreign countries, this facility is set to play a pivotal role in constructing and repairing large and specialized ships and marine structures.
The International Ship Repair facility at Wellingdon Island, built at a cost of Rs 970 crore, is designed with six workstations, allowing simultaneous repair of six vessels. This facility positions the nation as a major ship repair center and contributes significantly to enhancing the ship repair capacity of the country, establishing Kochi as a key hub in this domain.
In addition, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Rs 1,236 crore IOC LPG Import Terminal at Puthuvypeen, catering to the LPG requirements of southern India. This project will streamline LPG distribution through road and pipeline transfers, benefiting bottling plants in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Anticipated to result in an annual logistic savings of Rs 150 crore and a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 18,000 tonnes per annum, this initiative marks a sustainable stride towards energy efficiency.
With the commissioning of these projects, India’s maritime industry is set for robust growth, self-sufficiency, and enhanced global prominence. The infrastructure boost aligns with the government’s vision for a more resilient and progressive nation.