Karwar: Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated a significant addition to Naval Base Karwar on April 9, 2024, with the unveiling of a major Pier and Residential Accommodations. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice Admiral SJ Singh, Commander-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, Rear Admiral Cyril Thomas, Additional Director General Seabird, and other senior officers.
The newly inaugurated Pier 3 Offshore Patrol Vessel Pier stretches over 350 meters and is capable of berthing OPVs, large survey vessels, and Mine Counter Measure Vessels. Besides facilitating berthing, the pier will provide essential shore-based services, including electrical power, potable water, chilled water for air conditioning, a 30-ton mobile crane, and other domestic services required by the ships.
In addition to the pier, the residential accommodation unveiled comprises two towers housing 80 flats for Married Officers ranging from Lieutenant Commander to Captain, along with 149 flats for Single Officers’ Accommodation and related amenities. Furthermore, six towers of Type-II accommodation have been constructed, offering 360 flats for Defence Civilians.
These infrastructure developments are integral to the ongoing Phase IIA of Project Seabird, designed to accommodate 32 ships and submarines, 23 yard crafts, a dual-use Naval Air Station, a full-fledged Naval Dockyard, four covered Dry Berths, and logistics facilities for ships and aircraft. Project Seabird Phase IIA is expected to accommodate approximately 10,000 uniformed and civilian personnel with families, significantly boosting the local economy and industrial growth.
The establishment of the Naval Air Station with a Civil Enclave is anticipated to not only enhance tourism in North Karnataka and South Goa but also foster economic development in the region. The ongoing construction activities associated with Project Seabird Phase IIA have generated around 7,000 direct and 20,000 indirect job opportunities. Furthermore, the project aligns with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with over 90% of the materials being sourced domestically.