The Indian Ministry of Defence has commissioned new infrastructure valued at over INR 20 billion at the Karwar naval base in Karnataka, as part of Phase 2A of Project Seabird. The development includes manufacturing-intensive facilities aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational, repair, and logistics capabilities along the western coast.
According to a press release, the newly inaugurated infrastructure comprises marine works for berthing warships, submarines, and harbour craft, refit piers for warship maintenance, an armament wharf, and marine utility complexes. These additions are designed to support rapid turnaround of naval assets and sustained maritime operations.
The project includes over 90 percent domestically sourced materials and equipment, aligning with India’s broader objective of enhancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Civil infrastructure developments include 480 residential units for naval personnel and defence civilians, a 25 km internal road network, 12 km of stormwater drainage, waste management plants, and security watch towers.
The facilities were developed with the assistance of project management consultant AECOM, covering planning, design, and construction supervision. The expansion is expected to improve operational readiness while contributing to regional industrial activity and the local economy in the Uttara Kannada district.
The Karwar base, which spans over 11,000 acres, is a critical component of India’s maritime infrastructure strategy. The modernisation effort is intended to increase support for warship and submarine deployments while reducing reliance on foreign logistics and support systems.
The infrastructure upgrade was inaugurated alongside the flagging-off of Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR, a multilateral deployment involving naval personnel from nine countries. The two initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to enhance naval capability and self-sufficiency through infrastructure investment and international collaboration.