Why is it in the news?

• The Defence Minister recently inaugurated infrastructure projects at the Indian Navy’s Karwar base under Project Seabird. This includes two major piers and seven residential towers.

 More about the news

• The expansion of the naval base is essential for accommodating a growing fleet and enhancing operational capabilities. It addresses the need for additional infrastructure due to the congestion faced by Mumbai Harbour, particularly concerning the security of the Western Fleet, following the Indo-Pak War of 1971.
• The first phase of Project Seabird, concluded in 2011, was designed to accommodate 10 ships.
• Phase IIA of the project includes berthing facilities for 32 ships and submarines, along with 23 yardcraft.
• The project was approved in 1999, post-Pokhran-II, by the then Union Defence Minister George Fernandes.