"Karwar Naval Base Unveils New Pier and Infrastructure Upgrades"

New infrastructure, including a significant pier to berth warships, was inaugurated at the strategic Karwar naval base in coastal Karnataka on Tuesday by Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar. This development comes as part of the ongoing expansion under Project Seabird, aimed at transforming Karwar into the largest naval facility in Asia.

The newly unveiled 350-meter-long pier is designed to accommodate offshore patrol vessels, large survey vessels, and mine countermeasure vessels, enhancing the operational capabilities of the Karwar base. Situated on the western seaboard, Karwar offers the Navy strategic depth and flexibility, particularly in the context of potential threats from Pakistan.

"The pier will provide a range of shore-based services, including electrical power, potable water, chilled water for air conditioning, a 30-tonne mobile crane, and other essential amenities for warships," noted an officer.

Already serving as the home base for over 10 frontline warships, the completion of Phase-IIA of Project Seabird will enable Karwar to berth 32 major warships and submarines, along with 23 yard-craft. This phase also includes the establishment of a dual-use naval air station, a full-fledged naval dockyard, covered dry berths, and logistics infrastructure for ships and aircraft.

Additionally, the inauguration of additional residential accommodation underscores Karwar's growing importance as a naval hub. It is projected to accommodate approximately 10,000 uniformed and civilian personnel, along with their families, contributing significantly to the local economy and industrial growth.

"The ongoing marine works encompass piers for ships and submarines, offering berthing space of over 6 kilometers, along with technical facilities, electrical substations, switch gears, and support utilities," the officer elaborated.

The centerpiece of the expansion is an iconic covered dry berth, towering at 75 meters, surpassing the height of Delhi's Qutub Minar. Spread over 33,000 square meters, this dry berth is designed to facilitate the simultaneous docking and comprehensive enclosed maintenance of up to four major warships, further enhancing Karwar's operational capabilities.

TOI