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.

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