Chennai: The Indian Navy is planning to expand its naval base in Chennai, and for this it is in consultations with the State government and Central agencies.
Rear Admiral Alok Bhatnagar, Flag Officer, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, said that he is hopeful of Tamilnadu State Government’s full support in allotment of land and building of requisite infrastructure.
Mr. Bhatnagar said that “We aim to make an important naval base in Chennai by creating the required infrastructure. This, in turn, will contribute to the economy of Chennai and Tamil Nadu in the long run.”
The decision comes as the Indian Navy is planning to decongest its eastern naval headquarters base at Vishakhapatnam, and it is learnt that the Navy is looking for 100 acres of land near Chennai. Once the base becomes operational, the Indian navy is likely to develop port capabilities at Thoothukudi.
A high-level apex committee meeting will be held in January 2018 to review the coastal security of Tamilnadu. This meeting is likely to be co-chaired by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Easter Naval Command and the Chief Secretary to the Tamil Nadu government.