PM Unveils Rs 40 Billion Boost For Dredging Corporation

07 Nov 2025 CW Team

DCIL operates under a consortium of four major ports — Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) — functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

The modernisation plan aims to enhance DCIL’s dredging capacity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness through the acquisition of advanced dredgers, technological upgrades, and the adoption of sustainable practices.

The Rs 40 billion investment will focus on four key areas:

Fleet modernisation and capacity expansion to strengthen India’s dredging infrastructure.

Construction of new dredgers in Indian shipyards under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Ministry has already approved the procurement of three new trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs). DCIL placed the first order in March 2022 for a 12,000 cubic metre TSHD, DCI Dredge Godavari, which was launched on 18 October 2025 and is scheduled for delivery by July 2026.

Orders for a second 12,000 cubic metre TSHD and another dredger will be placed in the coming months.

DCIL also plans to acquire one Cutter Suction Dredger, one Water Injection Dredger, another lower-capacity TSHD for shallow draft dredging, and six Beaver Dredgers of varying capacities for operations across inland waterways and canals.

The initiative also includes:

Adoption of digital, automation, and green dredging technologies for sustainable operations.

Skill development and upskilling programmes for technical personnel to align with global standards.

This investment package — covering the procurement of 11 dredgers and associated infrastructure — is expected to position DCIL as a stronger player not only in maintenance dredging, where it already leads in India, but also in capital dredging and inland waterway development, both of which are national priorities under the government’s maritime modernisation drive.

In a landmark announcement during the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled major initiatives under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, including a Rs 40 billion (Rs 4,000 crore) investment to modernise the Dredging Corporation of India (DCIL). DCIL operates under a consortium of four major ports — Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), and Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) — functioning under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The modernisation plan aims to enhance DCIL’s dredging capacity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness through the acquisition of advanced dredgers, technological upgrades, and the adoption of sustainable practices. The Rs 40 billion investment will focus on four key areas: Fleet modernisation and capacity expansion to strengthen India’s dredging infrastructure. Construction of new dredgers in Indian shipyards under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Ministry has already approved the procurement of three new trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs). DCIL placed the first order in March 2022 for a 12,000 cubic metre TSHD, DCI Dredge Godavari, which was launched on 18 October 2025 and is scheduled for delivery by July 2026. Orders for a second 12,000 cubic metre TSHD and another dredger will be placed in the coming months. DCIL also plans to acquire one Cutter Suction Dredger, one Water Injection Dredger, another lower-capacity TSHD for shallow draft dredging, and six Beaver Dredgers of varying capacities for operations across inland waterways and canals. The initiative also includes: Adoption of digital, automation, and green dredging technologies for sustainable operations. Skill development and upskilling programmes for technical personnel to align with global standards. This investment package — covering the procurement of 11 dredgers and associated infrastructure — is expected to position DCIL as a stronger player not only in maintenance dredging, where it already leads in India, but also in capital dredging and inland waterway development, both of which are national priorities under the government’s maritime modernisation drive.

Technology

05 May 2026

Bentley Event Spotlights AI Infrastructure

Bentley Systems recently hosted Illuminate Mumbai 2026, bringing together infrastructure leaders, policymakers, technology experts and academia to discuss how AI-driven engineering and digital twins can accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.The event focused on scaling intelligent and connected infrastructure ecosystems beyond digital adoption. Discussions covered the use of infrastructure AI, open data environments and digital twin technologies to improve project delivery, sustainability and long-term asset performance across key sectors.Kamalakannan Thiruvadi, Regional Exec..

Infrastructure Urban

05 May 2026

Donaldson Completes Facet Filtration Acquisition

Donaldson Company has completed its previously announced acquisition of Facet Filtration, strengthening its position in technology-led filtration products and solutions. Facet is known for mission-critical fuel and fluid filtration solutions, with a strong presence in the jet fuel filtration market.Facet’s products are used across multiple stages of the fuel supply chain, from refinery operations to the final fuelling point. The acquisition is expected to broaden Donaldson’s exposure to durable end markets, including aerospace, defence and power generation.Rich Lewis, President and Chief E..

Real Estate

05 May 2026

Saya SouthX Project Leases 1.27 Lakh Sq Ft Retail Space

Saya Group has leased approximately 1.27 lakh sq ft of retail space at its Saya SouthX project in Greater Noida West, onboarding a mix of food and beverage, lifestyle, and entertainment brands.The tenant mix includes brands such as McDonald’s, The BBQ Company, Sardari, Rubarru (The Beer Mug), Funky Island, Blaaze and I Luv Food, reflecting a combination of established and niche offerings. The project also has a leasing pipeline of around 50,000 sq ft expected to be concluded within a month, indicating sustained demand.Saya SouthX is positioned as a high-street retail destination, spanning ov..