Pm Dedicates Pipavav Shipyard to the nation

Among the others who graces the occasion were Mr. G.K. Vasan ,Union Minister for shipping Secretary and Mr. Nikhil Gandhi , Chairman of Piipavav shipyard Ltd and promoter of SKIL Infrastructure ( Whose Project the shipyard is)
After the launch , Dr Singh Congratulated Mr. Nikhil Gandhi and the management of pipavav shipyard for this "Massive contribution " to nation -building and expressed his appreciation of their commitment to innovation , farsighted vision , and commitment to do things the best possible way.

He noted that the shipyard was one of the most modern in the country , having one of largest dry dock and wet dock facilities in the world, with which can be used for constructing many types of vessels. " I hope this modern facility will set new benchmarks in quality and effciency for our country ," he underscored .

The Prime Minister pointed out that for India to be a major trading nation , shipping,shipbuilding and management of ports assume great importane in development planning.
The Development of maritime infrastructure - ports , shipbuilding and shipping , including inland water transport , is therefore of critical importance to the progress of our economy . This sector also provides substantial employment in the organized sector , and acts as catalyst for rapid development of the hinterland as well," he pointed out.

Outlining the steps taken to give a boost to the maritime sector , he highlighted, " our government has taken many steps to develop this sector , The National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP) envisages investment of more then Rs. 1 Lakhs crore. We have recently set up the Indian Maritime university . We Have Also Welcomes private sector participation in major Ports , to access mch-needed funds and technical and managerial expertise.

I hope the framework that has been developed will hasten the construction of new ports, and will also improve the maintenance of existing ports and harbours. In addition, measures are being undertaken to reduce connectivity constraints being faced by our ports," he emphasized.

Developments in the ship building industry could have a multiplier effect and economic out put as also in therms of their contribution to the generation of employment.

The union government had, therefore,been supporting the setting up of ship yards, he emphasised.

I understand the national manufacturing Competitiveness is working with the ministry of shipping to explore fresh ways to enable faster growth of this dynamic sector. in addition, we intended to take measures to greatly expand in land water transport, he discussed.

Located adjacent to port Pepavav,the ship yard is an integrated ship building facility which is reportedly the largest in india and among the largest in Asia, Spread over an agree gate area of 198.92 hectares ( apporx 491.53 Acres)