Seabird phase II work will start by 2016: Naval officer

The phase II works of Seabird naval base project will commence next year and is expected to be completed by 2022, said Rear Admiral R K Nadkarni, Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area.

He told this to reporters on the sidelines of his visit to INS Makara, a survey vessel anchored at the naval base here on Friday. The Centre has given its approval for the phase II. The implementation of the proposed project will create more jobs for the locals and augment infrastructure in Karwar and surrounding areas, the rear admiral said.

Under the proposed expansion plans, a 3,000 feet long runway will be built. If the Centre and the State send request to the Indian Navy seeking to utilise the runway for civil aviation aircraft, the runway length will be increase to 6,000 feet, the naval officer said.

Once the works on phase II is completed, the Seabird Naval Base will join a league of largest naval bases in the world, he said adding that post completion as many as 30 warships can be anchored at the base and it would have a hanger to hold as many military aircraft.

The Indian Navy, through the State government, has acquired 11,334 acres of land which includes 8,661 acres of forest land.