Mazagon expansion to boost India’s naval building and repair capacity

India plans to invest up to USD 588 million to expand shipbuilding infrastructure at Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), as the country seeks to scale up naval production and repair capacity, India Today reports.

The state-run shipbuilder aims to reclaim ten acres of marine space adjacent to its current facility to construct two new basins capable of handling large warships and submarines simultaneously. The expansion would double MDL’s deadweight handling capacity from 40,000 to 80,000 tonnes and support the Indian Navy’s growing demand for advanced platforms.

MDL, which currently builds up to 11 submarines and ten warships at a time, is also operating on a newly leased 15-acre plot where shipbuilding has already begun. The Mumbai expansion supports India’s long-term maritime goals, including a 175-ship naval fleet and full defence indigenisation by 2047.

The move comes as the country deepens defence cooperation with international partners. Russia’s United Shipbuilding Corporation has expressed interest in participating in India’s indigenisation efforts. Meanwhile, Goa Shipyard is constructing frigates under the Triput-class programme with Russian design assistance and technology transfer.

The expanded MDL facility is expected to become a cornerstone of India’s naval modernisation and self-reliance strategy.