Naval Base Karwar witnessed a momentous occasion on 09 April 24 as Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated significant infrastructure developments aimed at bolstering the operational capabilities and living standards of naval personnel.
The inauguration ceremony, held in the presence of high-ranking naval officials including Vice Admiral SJ Singh, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, Rear Admiral Cyril Thomas, marked a milestone in the ongoing expansion and modernization of Naval Base Karwar.
The highlight of the inauguration was the unveiling of the Pier 3 Offshore Patrol Vessel Pier, a colossal structure measuring 350 meters in length. This state-of-the-art pier is designed to accommodate Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), large survey vessels, and Mine Counter Measure Vessels, providing essential berthing facilities for these vital naval assets.
Additionally, the pier offers a range of shore-based services including electrical power, potable water, chilled water for air conditioning, and a 30-ton mobile crane, ensuring seamless operations and maintenance activities for the stationed ships.
In addition to the pier, Admiral R Hari Kumar also inaugurated newly constructed residential accommodations, further enhancing the quality of life for naval personnel and their families.
The residential complex comprises two towers housing 80 flats for Married Officers ranging from Lieutenant Commanders to Captains, along with 149 flats designated for Single Officers’ Accommodation.
The accommodations are equipped with modern amenities and services, providing a comfortable and conducive living environment for naval personnel.
Furthermore, the inauguration ceremony witnessed the unveiling of six towers of Type-II accommodations, comprising a total of 360 flats catering to Defence Civilians.
These accommodations reflect the Navy’s commitment to providing adequate housing solutions for both uniformed and civilian personnel, thereby fostering a sense of community and well-being within the naval base.
The infrastructure developments inaugurated by Admiral R Hari Kumar are part of the ongoing Phase IIA of Project Seabird, a strategic initiative aimed at transforming Naval Base Karwar into a comprehensive naval facility.
Project Seabird Phase IIA encompasses the construction of berthing facilities for 32 ships and submarines, 23 yard crafts, a Naval Air Station, a Naval Dockyard, covered Dry Berths, and logistical support infrastructure.
Once completed, Project Seabird Phase IIA will accommodate around 10,000 uniformed and civilian personnel, significantly contributing to the local economy and industrial growth of the region.
Notably, the ongoing construction activities associated with Project Seabird Phase IIA have generated substantial employment opportunities, creating 7,000 direct jobs and 20,000 indirect jobs.
Emphasizing the Navy’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, over 90% of the materials utilized in the project have been sourced domestically, furthering the nation’s self-reliance in defence infrastructure development.
The inauguration of the Pier 3 Offshore Patrol Vessel Pier and residential accommodations marks a significant step forward in the modernization and expansion of Naval Base Karwar, reaffirming the Indian Navy’s commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities and infrastructure to meet the evolving challenges of maritime security.
Naval Base Karwar, located on the picturesque coastline of Karnataka, serves as a crucial naval facility for the Indian Navy.
The base plays a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests and conducting a wide range of naval operations in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean region. With its strategic location and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Naval Base Karwar continues to be a cornerstone of India’s maritime defence strategy.
