Maharashtra accelerates plans for India’s largest shipyard, eyes 2026 completion

Maharashtra is preparing to make a major leap in the maritime sector, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directing officials to fast-track the development of what is set to become India’s largest shipyard. Backed by the state’s extensive coastline and the upcoming deep-draft Vadhavan Port, the project is being positioned as a strategic anchor for India’s shipbuilding ambitions.

At a review meeting of the Ports Development Department held at Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur, Fadnavis instructed senior officials to speed up work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR), improve coastal connectivity, and move decisively toward meeting the 2026 completion target. Ports and Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane, Chief Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport & Ports) Sanjay Sethi and senior officers of the Maharashtra Maritime Board were present during the discussion.

Alongside the shipyard push, the Chief Minister called for rapid progress on the proposed Mumbai Water Metro — a modern, all-electric water-based commuting system. He emphasised that the project must surpass existing benchmarks, including those set by the Kochi Water Metro, by adopting a larger scale, upgraded vessel technology and superior passenger amenities.

Fadnavis directed the administration to structure a phased rollout for the Water Metro, beginning with hybrid vessels and eventually transitioning to a fully electric fleet. The upgraded water taxi and metro system, he said, would complement the state’s broader maritime development vision, improve urban mobility and reduce pollution across Mumbai’s waterways.

The twin focus on creating the country’s biggest shipyard and deploying an advanced electric Water Metro strengthens Maharashtra’s strategy to position itself as a national maritime leader, combining world-class shipbuilding with sustainable urban transport solutions.