Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a significant ₹4,000 crore investment for the modernization of Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) during the inauguration of India Maritime Week 2025. This initiative marks a pivotal moment for DCIL, which operates under a consortium of four major ports: Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Deendayal Port Authorities.

Modernization Roadmap

The comprehensive modernization plan focuses on several key areas:

1. Fleet Expansion: Procurement of 11 new dredgers, including Trailer Suction Hopper Dredgers (TSHDs), Cutter Suction Dredger, water injection dredger, and beaver dredgers.
2. Make in India Initiative: Construction of new dredgers in Indian shipyards, promoting domestic manufacturing.
3. Technological Advancements: Adoption of digital and green dredging technologies for sustainable operations.
4. Skill Development: Upskilling of technical manpower to meet global standards.

Current Capacity and Future Goals

DCIL's existing fleet consists of 10 TSHDs with a combined hopper capacity of approximately 60,000 cubic meters. This allows the company to handle about 50-60 million cubic meters of dredging annually, accounting for nearly 55% of India's total dredging requirement.

Investment Breakdown

The ₹4,000 crore investment will be allocated as follows:

Progress and Timeline

DCIL has already made strides in its modernization efforts:

• An order for one 12,000 CuM TSHD, named DCI DREDGE GODAVARI, was placed in March 2022.
• The vessel was launched on October 18, 2025, with delivery expected in July 2026.
• Plans are in place to order another 12,000 CuM TSHD in the coming months.

Strategic Importance

Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman of DCIL and Chairperson of Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Mumbai Port, emphasized the transformative nature of this initiative. He stated that it would position DCIL as a technologically advanced, globally competitive enterprise.

Capt. S. Divakar, Managing Director & CEO (A/C) of DCIL, highlighted that this investment would enable DCIL to reaffirm its position as India's leading dredging company and expand its global footprint.

Alignment with National Goals

This modernization initiative is a crucial component of the government's Maritime India Vision 2030 and Atmanirbhar Bharat 2047 goals. It aims to strengthen India's maritime capabilities and promote self-reliance in the blue economy sector.

The announcement, made in the presence of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, underscores the government's commitment to enhancing India's maritime infrastructure and capabilities.

As DCIL embarks on this transformative journey, the maritime sector eagerly anticipates the positive impact on India's dredging capacity, operational efficiency, and global competitiveness in the years to come.

Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) marked a significant milestone as it unveiled its pavilion at the prestigious India Maritime Week 2025, held at the Mumbai Exhibition Centre. The event underscored DCIL's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.

Pavilion Inauguration

Dr. M. Angamuthu, IAS, Chairman of DCIL, led the inauguration ceremony of the company's pavilion. The carefully curated display highlighted DCIL's capabilities, ongoing projects, and technological advancements in the dredging sector.

Showcase of Excellence

The DCIL pavilion garnered widespread attention from visitors, maritime professionals, and industry stakeholders. Its engaging presentation and informative displays effectively communicated the company's expertise and contributions to India's maritime infrastructure.

Chairman's Commendation

Dr. Angamuthu expressed his appreciation for the pavilion's overall presentation, content, and professionalism. He praised the DCIL team, describing their efforts as "a great show, perfectly managed in all aspects." This endorsement reflects the dedication and meticulous planning invested in creating a showcase that truly represents DCIL's excellence.

Strategic Importance

The participation in India Maritime Week 2025 aligns with DCIL's ongoing efforts to:

1. Promote innovation in dredging operations
2. Enhance sustainability practices in the maritime sector
3. Support India's maritime infrastructure development
4. Contribute to the nation's blue economy initiatives

Corporate Governance Update

In a recent development, DCIL has initiated a postal ballot process for the appointment of Mr. Divakar Sanamandra as Managing Director and CEO (Additional Charge) for a six-month period from October 16, 2025, to April 15, 2026. This move demonstrates DCIL's commitment to maintaining strong leadership and corporate governance.

Conclusion

DCIL's prominent presence at India Maritime Week 2025 reinforces its position as a key player in India's maritime sector. The event provided a platform for the company to showcase its technological prowess and commitment to excellence, further solidifying its role in supporting the nation's maritime ambitions.