The National Technology Center for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras is designing the Patna Dry Dock, crucial for vessel maintenance between Kolkata and Varanasi. Expected by March 2026, this facility will significantly cut transport costs and boost regional employment, enhancing trade and tourism along the Ganga region.
The construction of the Greenfield Vadhvan port along the Palghar coast involves reclaiming 3,500 acres from the sea using sand dredged from 50 km away. Local activists, fishing communities, and experts are concerned about negative impacts on the marine ecosystem. Critics warn of harm to sea ecosystems and call for transparent surveys before dredging.
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has introduced Asia’s largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility at the ‘Discovery’ Satellite Campus in Thaiyur. This cutting-edge facility will revolutionize coastal and marine engineering research in India, focusing on critical issues in ports, waterways, and coastal infrastructure. This facility is supported by the Ministry of Shipping.
The Odisha government and IIT Madras have joined forces to create a Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP) to address challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector. With a focus on port development and agricultural productivity, stakeholder consultations will shape the comprehensive approach to sustainable development in Odisha, benefiting both the economy and local communities.
