Naval Base Karwar: Taking a stride towards bolstering India’s maritime capabilities, the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, is set to inaugurate two crucial piers and seven residential towers at Naval Base Karwar on March 5. The event marks a key milestone in the ongoing expansion of Project Seabird, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing naval infrastructure and capabilities.
The inauguration includes 320 houses for Naval Officers and Defence civilian personnel, along with 149 single officers’ accommodations, reflecting the continued commitment to provide state-of-the-art facilities for the Armed Forces.
The commencement of Phase I in 2011 laid the groundwork for accommodating 10 ships, featuring a breakwater, a 10-ship pier, a 10,000-ton ship lift and dry berth, a Naval Ship Repair Yard, logistics and armament storage facilities, accommodation for 1000 personnel, a Headquarters/Depot Organisation, and a 141-bed Naval Hospital.
With the Cabinet Committee on Security’s approval for Phase IIA, the project has entered a new era, aiming to berth 32 ships and submarines, along with 23 Yardcraft. Aligning with environmental guidelines set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MOEF) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), Phase IIA emphasizes sustainable construction practices.
At the heart of Phase IIA is the iconic Covered Dry Berth, standing at a towering 75 meters, surpassing the height of Delhi’s Qutub Minar, spread over 33,000 square meters. This engineering marvel is designed to accommodate simultaneous docking and comprehensive enclosed maintenance of up to four capital ships.
Four townships with around 10,000 dwelling units for Officers, Senior and Junior Sailors, and Defence Civilian staff are being constructed, embodying the project’s commitment to holistic development.
The ongoing construction at Naval Base Karwar has not only directly generated employment opportunities for approximately 7,000 personnel but has also indirectly led to around 20,000 jobs across the nation. Aligning with the principles of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, over 90% of materials and equipment are sourced domestically, involving industry leaders such as AECOM India Ltd., Larsen & Toubro, ITD Cementation India Ltd, Nagarjuna Construction Company, Navayuga Engineering Company Ltd., and Shapoorji Pallonji Group.
Upon full operationalization, Naval Base Karwar is expected to house around 50,000 individuals, significantly contributing to the local economy. The establishment of the Naval Dockyard and maintenance needs of ships is anticipated to catalyze industrial growth in the region, attracting investments and creating employment opportunities. The Naval Air Station, with a 2700m runway and civil enclave, will enhance air connectivity, boosting tourism in both North Karnataka and South Goa.
As the base becomes fully operational, it is projected to provide government employment to approximately 8,000 personnel, reinforcing its role as a strategic hub for maritime operations in the region. The inauguration by Shri Rajnath Singh underscores the government’s commitment to fortifying India’s naval capabilities and fostering regional development through critical infrastructure projects.