MoPSW and KOICA Sign Plan to Boost Shipbuilding Skills

06 Apr 2026 CW Team

Under the agreement, KOICA, supported by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training and other stakeholders, will undertake comprehensive research into India's shipbuilding and marine engineering industries. The initiative will focus on workforce mapping, skill gap assessment, and the development of a master plan and actionable roadmap for human resource development in the sector. It will also aim to align training programmes with industry needs and emerging technological demands.

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the partnership as a defining moment in India's maritime journey and indicated that the collaboration would support the creation of a new generation of highly skilled maritime professionals. He emphasised that leveraging the Republic of Korea's technological expertise alongside national priorities would strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation and generate employment opportunities for youth. The project was presented as reinforcing the government's commitment to an Atmanirbhar and future oriented maritime sector.

A series of bilateral workshops on workforce development are planned in India and the Republic of Korea to bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers and academic experts to exchange best practices. Discussions are at an advanced stage for the establishment of a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India, which will provide industry oriented vocational training and technical upskilling tailored to the shipbuilding ecosystem. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of India's shipbuilding and marine sectors and to mark a milestone in the country's aspiration to be a global shipbuilding hub.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed a Plan of Implementation on two April 2026 to advance skill development in India's shipbuilding sector. The project, titled Support the Establishment of Development Strategies and to Build a Foundation for Skilled and Professional Talents for the Indian Shipbuilding and Marine Sector, is aligned with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and seeks to position shipbuilding as a strategic driver of economic growth and global maritime standing. Under the agreement, KOICA, supported by the Korea Research Institute for Vocational Education and Training and other stakeholders, will undertake comprehensive research into India's shipbuilding and marine engineering industries. The initiative will focus on workforce mapping, skill gap assessment, and the development of a master plan and actionable roadmap for human resource development in the sector. It will also aim to align training programmes with industry needs and emerging technological demands. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, described the partnership as a defining moment in India's maritime journey and indicated that the collaboration would support the creation of a new generation of highly skilled maritime professionals. He emphasised that leveraging the Republic of Korea's technological expertise alongside national priorities would strengthen institutional capacity, foster innovation and generate employment opportunities for youth. The project was presented as reinforcing the government's commitment to an Atmanirbhar and future oriented maritime sector. A series of bilateral workshops on workforce development are planned in India and the Republic of Korea to bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers and academic experts to exchange best practices. Discussions are at an advanced stage for the establishment of a Shipbuilding Workforce Development and Technology Cooperation Center in India, which will provide industry oriented vocational training and technical upskilling tailored to the shipbuilding ecosystem. The initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of India's shipbuilding and marine sectors and to mark a milestone in the country's aspiration to be a global shipbuilding hub.

Infrastructure Transport

30 May 2026

Chembur Metro to Boost East Mumbai Links

MMRDA is advancing eastern Mumbai’s urban mobility network, with the upcoming Chembur Metro Station set to emerge as a key interchange and the Mumbai Monorail preparing for relaunch.Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA, conducted a site visit to Chembur Metro Station along with Kanhuraj Bagate, Managing Director, MMMOCL. He also visited the nearby VN Purav Monorail Station to review system preparedness and ease of interconnectivity.Once operational, the interchange is expected to offer commuters across the eastern suburbs quicker access, smoother transfers and seamless conne..

Equipment

30 May 2026

Herrenknecht TBMs Drive Thane–Borivali Tunnel Progress

Herrenknecht India has supplied two of the four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) required for the 11-km Thane–Borivali Twin Tunnel Project being developed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The project is expected to reduce travel time between Thane and Borivali from 60–90 minutes to around 15 minutes while easing congestion across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.The first two Single Shield TBMs, named Nayak and Arjuna, feature 13.34-m cutterhead diameters and are designed for hard-rock excavation. They will be deployed to tunnel through the challenging geological..

Resources

29 May 2026

KBL Launches Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set

Kirloskar Brothers (KBL) has launched its Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set, an integrated fire protection solution designed to improve operational efficiency, remote monitoring and installation flexibility. The system was inaugurated by Ms Madhuritai Misal, Hon. Minister of State for Urban Development, Government of Maharashtra.The Smart Skid Mounted Fire Pump Set is a factory-tested, pre-packaged solution that combines FM/UL-certified motor and engine pump sets with IoT-enabled remote monitoring. Designed to deliver a flow rate of 170 m³/hr at a head of 100 metres, the system aims to provide..