Visakhapatnam, Mar 29 (PTI) Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Sunday lauded the role of DCI in strengthening the country’s maritime and port infrastructure.
Addressing DCI’s 50th anniversary celebrations here, Sonowal highlighted the organisation’s contribution over five decades in ensuring efficient port operations, maintaining navigable waterways and supporting the growth of India’s blue economy.
“Dredging Corporation of India Limited has played a crucial role in reinforcing the nation’s maritime and port infrastructure over the decades,” he said.
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways added that DCI’s continuous dredging efforts have strengthened supply chains and supported trade, contributing significantly to India’s maritime capabilities.
Minister of State for Ports Shantanu Thakur, in a recorded message, said DCI has acted as a “steadfast lighthouse” guiding India’s maritime progress and will continue to support infrastructure modernisation.
Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) Chairperson and DCI Chairman M Angamuthu said the organisation aims to become a globally recognised leader in dredging services by 2047.
“The long-term vision is to expand beyond national boundaries and contribute to sustainable maritime infrastructure worldwide,” Angamuthu said.
According to a press release, DCI is exploring new business areas, including submarine cable trenching, offshore wind energy support and inland waterways development.
Established on March 29, 1976, DCI has grown significantly over the decades, with its revenue rising from around Rs 200 crore in its early years to Rs 1,148 crore in the last financial year.
The company currently handles nearly 80 per cent of India’s maintenance dredging, accounting for about 120 million cubic metres out of 150 million cubic metres annually.
DCI has executed maintenance and capital dredging projects at major ports, including Visakhapatnam, Haldia, Deendayal, Cochin, Paradip, Chennai and Jawaharlal Nehru Port, the release added. PTI MS SSK
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.