Karwar: Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command (WNC), inaugurated key residential, healthcare and supporting infrastructure under Project Seabird Phase IIA at Naval Base Karwar on October 15, 2026.
The inauguration took place in the presence of Vice Admiral Vivek Dahiya, Director General Seabird, and other senior officers. The facilities have been developed to support the growing requirements of the Indian Navy’s Karwar Naval Base and improve residential amenities, healthcare services, environmental management and connectivity.
The inaugurated infrastructure includes residential accommodation for Naval Defence Civilians, the Station Health Organisation complex, supporting utility facilities and improved access infrastructure.
Project Seabird Phase IIA Adds 300 Residential Units at Karwar
As part of the latest infrastructure development, five residential towers comprising 300 dwelling units were inaugurated for Naval Defence Civilians and the Station Health Organisation.
The residential facilities are supported by essential utility infrastructure, including a two-lakh-litre hilltop water reservoir and a sewage treatment plant (STP). These facilities are intended to support the increasing population associated with the expanding naval base and provide improved residential amenities for personnel and their families.
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INHS Patanjali Hospital to Expand to 409-Bed Capacity
The inauguration also included the Station Health Organisation complex, developed as part of the augmentation of the existing naval hospital, INHS Patanjali. The hospital expansion will increase its capacity to 409 beds, strengthening healthcare infrastructure at the Karwar Naval Base.
The development is part of the broader effort to enhance essential services in line with the growing strength of the naval establishment and the needs of its personnel and families.
New Solid Waste Management Facility and Improved Access Infrastructure
With the expansion of Karwar Naval Base, environmental management and smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians have become important infrastructure priorities. To address these requirements, a modern integrated Solid Waste Management Facility was inaugurated along with an access gate and bridge infrastructure.
The upgraded access infrastructure is designed to facilitate four-lane vehicular traffic and includes dedicated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. These facilities are expected to support better connectivity, improve access to the naval base and strengthen environmental management as infrastructure development continues.
Project Seabird Phase IIA to Strengthen Naval Capabilities
Project Seabird is a major Indian Navy infrastructure development programme at Karwar, Karnataka. The ongoing Phase IIA includes the development of several strategic and operational facilities to enhance the base’s capabilities.
The scope of Phase IIA includes:
- Naval Air Station: Development of a dual-use naval air station to support aviation-related operations.
- Naval Dockyard: Construction of a full-fledged dockyard to support naval vessels.
- Logistics infrastructure: Development of facilities to support ships and aircraft.
- Residential facilities: Expansion of accommodation for naval personnel and defence civilians.
- Healthcare infrastructure: Strengthening medical facilities to meet the requirements of the growing base.
- Utility and access infrastructure: Improvements in water supply, sewage treatment, solid waste management and connectivity.
Together, these developments are intended to strengthen the operational and logistical capabilities of the Indian Navy at Karwar while supporting the needs of its personnel.
Project Seabird to Boost Employment and Regional Economic Growth
The expanding Karwar Naval Base is expected to contribute to economic activity in the Uttara Kannada region of Karnataka.
The base is planned to accommodate approximately 10,000 uniformed and civilian personnel along with their families. The associated infrastructure development is expected to support local industries, tourism and economic activity while generating direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The expansion of residential, healthcare, logistics and other supporting facilities is also expected to increase demand for local services and contribute to regional development.
Project Seabird Follows Green Building and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Principles
Project Seabird infrastructure development follows the applicable norms of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
Upon completion, the project is expected to achieve an IGBC Gold rating, reflecting its focus on environmentally responsible infrastructure development. The project also aligns with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with more than 90% of materials and equipment being sourced domestically.
By combining indigenous sourcing with environmental compliance and modern infrastructure development, Project Seabird Phase IIA aims to strengthen naval capabilities while supporting sustainable development at Karwar.
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