The Dredging India Conclave 2025, hosted by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in New Delhi, gathered key figures from India’s maritime and infrastructure sectors to discuss dredging’s vital role in the country’s maritime future. Shri Durgesh Kumar Dubey, Deputy Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL), delivered the keynote address.
Shri Dubey traced India’s infrastructure journey from post-liberalisation reforms to current maritime initiatives. He highlighted dredging’s critical role over the next 20 years, similar to how roads transformed India after 1991. Initiatives like the Dedicated Freight Corridor and the Rs 250 billion Maritime Development Fund support port-led industrialisation.
Using Visakhapatnam Port as an example, he explained how port infrastructure drives industrial hubs supported by road, rail and air connectivity. Both capital dredging at major ports and maintenance dredging are essential for national development. DCIL plans to expand its dredger fleet, including the 12,000 cubic metre trailing suction hopper dredger Godavari.
Shri Dubey also pointed to inland waterways and reservoirs as growing dredging areas, focusing on silt removal to improve water capacity and flood control. He called for collaboration among contractors, investors and manufacturers to advance India’s maritime ambitions.
