New Delhi: In a landmark announcement during the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025, Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi unveiled a Rs 4,000 crore investment to modernize the Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) under the Maritime Amrit Kaai Vision. The initiative aims to enhance India’s dredging capacity, strengthen inland waterways, and bolster the nation’s position in both maintenance and capital dredging.
Major Investment in Fleet Modernization
The modernization initiative will see DCIL acquiring 11 new dredgers and adopting advanced technologies for sustainable and efficient operations. Key components of the Rs 4,000 crore investment include:
- Fleet expansion and modernization: Construction of new dredgers in Indian shipyards under the Make in India initiative.
- Digitalization and green dredging technologies: Adoption of automation and sustainable practices.
- Skill development: Upskilling technical manpower to meet global standards.
So far, DCIL has already placed an order for a 12,000 cubic meter Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD) named DCI DREDGE GODAVARI, launched on October 18, 2025, with delivery expected by July 2026. Plans are underway for additional TSHDs, a cutter suction dredger, a water injection dredger, and six beaver dredgers for inland waterways and shallow draft dredging.
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Strengthening India’s Maritime Infrastructure
DCIL, operating under a consortium of four major ports—Visakhapatnam Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, and Deendayal Port Authority—currently operates a fleet of 10 TSHDs with a combined hopper capacity of 60,000 cubic meters, capable of dredging 50-60 million cubic meters annually, covering nearly 55% of India’s dredging requirements.
With this investment, DCIL is expected to consolidate its leadership in maintenance dredging, expand into capital dredging, and strengthen operations in inland waterways, a sector the government is actively promoting.
Leadership Comments on the Initiative
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman, DCIL, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways for their support.
He said, “Under the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s dynamic leadership, this modernization initiative will transform India’s dredging landscape, positioning DCIL as a technologically advanced, globally competitive enterprise.”
Capt. S. Divakar, Managing Director & CEO, DCIL, added that the roadmap will enable DCIL to execute complex dredging and reclamation projects with world-class precision. He emphasized that the initiative would strengthen India’s maritime self-reliance and enable DCIL to make inroads in global markets.
Alignment with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047
The announcement aligns with the Government of India’s long-term vision under Maritime India Vision 2030 and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047, aimed at boosting India’s maritime capabilities and leadership in the blue economy.
The event was attended by Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, along with senior officials from MoPSW, major ports, shipyards, and global maritime organizations.
This strategic investment is set to make DCIL a future-ready organization, enhancing operational efficiency, expanding India’s dredging capacity, and strengthening its position in the global maritime sector.
About DCIL
Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) is a premier public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, specializing in maintenance and capital dredging. DCIL operates a fleet of Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers and other specialized vessels, handling over half of India’s annual dredging requirements. The corporation plays a vital role in ensuring navigable waterways, port development, and inland waterway infrastructure, contributing to India’s maritime growth and global competitiveness.
