Karwar, October 9: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani, who is also the Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, inaugurated residential accommodation and critical infrastructure facilities under Project Seabird Phase IIA at the Naval Base in Karwar, Karnataka, on October 8.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Vice Admiral Vivek Dahiya, Director General Seabird, and other senior officers of the Indian Navy.

The newly inaugurated facilities at East of Manzil Creek (EOMC) and Amadalli include a residential tower with 60 dwelling units for married senior sailors, another tower with 60 dwelling units for Naval Defence Civilians, accommodation for 156 Defence Security Corps (DSC) personnel, and a kindergarten school.

The residential buildings and amenity facilities have been constructed by NCC Limited, Hyderabad, while Cemindia Projects India Limited executed the trunk infrastructure works.

Strengthening India’s Naval Capabilities

Project Seabird Phase IIA is a major infrastructure development initiative aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and supporting the basing of ships and submarines at Karwar.

The project includes the development of a dual-use Naval Air Station, a full-fledged Naval Dockyard, and logistics facilities for naval ships and aircraft.

Once completed, the expanded naval base is expected to accommodate approximately 10,000 uniformed and civilian personnel along with their families. The development is also expected to boost the local economy, industry and tourism in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada region while generating numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Focus on Sustainability and Self-Reliance

Project Seabird adheres to the applicable norms of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Indian Green Building Council. Upon completion, the project is expected to achieve an IGBC Gold rating.

In line with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, more than 90 per cent of the materials and equipment used in the project are being sourced domestically.

The ongoing infrastructure expansion at Karwar represents a significant step towards enhancing naval infrastructure, strengthening maritime preparedness and supporting India’s long-term strategic requirements in the maritime domain.