Navy to ramp up Karwar, Port Blair

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 25

Indian Navy Chief Admiral RK Dhowan today released the infrastructure development plan for the next decade for the Navy that includes massive plan laying down the way forward for the existing ports at Karwar located south of Goa and Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar islands, which stand close to the sensitive shipping lanes.

The Admiral was speaking at the start of the four-day Naval Commander's Conference here today. The Navy's plan will include additional infrastructure in all-forward operating bases, have new Naval air enclaves, keeping in mind the expansion in the Navy in terms of new ships, submarine, helicopters and fixed wing planes. 

During the inaugural session, Admiral Dhowan took stock of various operational activities conducted during the last six months including exercises and rescue operations, like the one in Yemen. 

Top Navy commanders will review critical operational issues during the conference. The Navy commanders will discuss operational relevance, identify capability gaps and review future plans. The focus is on creating operational, technical and administrative infrastructure and address issues concerning induction of manpower, training and skill development and welfare of personnel.

The commanders would discuss operational readiness of commands, coastal security and ways to strengthen cyber security.

Deliberations would be held on infrastructure and manning requirements for new aircraft, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and enhancement of surveillance. The commanders will also interact with the defence ministry officials to discuss key cases pending with the government relating to infrastructure development and capability enhancement, the 

statement said.