On April 5, 2025, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated a significant phase of Project Seabird at Naval Base Karwar, Karnataka. The newly unveiled infrastructure, worth ₹2,000 crore, includes nine state-of-the-art marine piers, advanced support utilities, trunk facilities, and 480 modern dwelling units for sailors and defence civilians.
These developments mark a bold step towards strengthening India’s maritime defence and enhancing its strategic capabilities along the western coastline. With this inauguration, Karwar moves closer to becoming a future-ready naval base, built to support India’s growing maritime ambitions and operational needs.
What is Project Seabird?
Project Seabird is the Indian Navy’s largest and most ambitious infrastructure development initiative. Originally launched in the 1990s, it aims to transform Karwar into a world-class naval base. The project is being executed in phases, with a long-term vision to support India’s maritime security, naval operations, and defence modernisation.
Key Features of Project Seabird : –
• Deep-water port with nine marine piers to dock large warships.
• Advanced logistical facilities for refueling, maintenance, and repair. 480 residential units designed to improve living conditions for naval personnel and defence civilians.
• Future expansion plans include an airstrip, submarine berths, and support for aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered vessels. Integrated command, control, and communication systems for enhanced naval coordination.
Strategic Importance for the Indian Navy
1. Strengthens Coastal Defence : Karwar’s location provides strategic access to the Arabian Sea and critical shipping lanes. This helps monitor and secure India’s western maritime borders.
2. Reduces Dependence on Mumbai Base : It decongests the Mumbai naval base, allowing for better fleet distribution and operational management.
3. Enhances Operational Readiness : Ships can be swiftly maintained, refueled, and redeployed, which speeds up reaction times in emergency situations or during combat operations.
4. Supports Blue-Water Operations : Karwar is being developed to support India’s long-range naval missions, including those involving aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines.
5. Promotes Self-Reliance : By building such advanced infrastructure domestically, India moves closer to its goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the defence sector.
6. Improves Welfare of Personnel : The construction of modern residential and support facilities reflects a commitment to the well-being of naval staff and their families.
Overall, The inauguration of the new infrastructure is a landmark moment in India’s defence journey. It strengthens national security, promotes self-reliance, and lays the foundation for a robust, future-focused naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Karwar Naval Base, under Project Seabird, is set to become a cornerstone of India’s maritime strength, ready to meet evolving global and regional challenges.