DCIL marks 50 years of maritime excellence in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) commemorated its golden jubilee in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Established on March 29, 1976, as a central public sector enterprise, DCIL has grown from strength to strength, growing its revenue from barely Rs. 200 crore in its early years to Rs. 1,148 crore in 2024-25, said the officials. The Organisation currently handles nearly 80 percent of India's maintenance dredging, accounting for about 120 million cubic metres out of 150 million cubic metres annually.In a special message, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways, said that for five long and distinguished decades, DCI has played a vital role in building India's maritime strength.Addressing the attendees of the golden jubilee celebrations through a video message, Shantanu Thakur, minister of state for ports, shipping and waterways, in a pre-recorded message said, "DCIL's 50 glorious years have truly been a steadfast lighthouse illuminating India's vast channel of ports, thereby designing the country's maritime destiny."Vijay Kumar, secretary, ministry of ports, shipping and waterways said, "DCIL is actively exploring new business areas, including submarine cable trenching, offshore wind energy support and inland waterways development, which will chart its future growth trajectory."The Golden Jubilee celebration that brought together employees, former employees, and key stakeholders was presided over by Dr Madhaiyaan Angamuthu, chairman of the DCIL and the Visakhapatnam Port Authority. "Our long-term vision is aligned with the nation's aspirations. By 2047, as India celebrates 100 years of independence, we envision DCIL as a globally recognised leader in dredging services, extending our expertise beyond national boundaries and contributing to sustainable maritime infrastructure worldwide," said the chairman.DCIL's managing director and CEO capt S Divakar said, "Ours is a story of growth, resilience, and nation-building. It is a proud reflection of five decades of commitment towards strengthening India's maritime infrastructure."