India, Aug. 17 -- Maharashtra is setting sail on an ambitious plan to boost its maritime sector by developing large-scale marine shipyard clusters along its coastline. The proposed hubs will cater to shipbuilding, repair, recycling, and allied services, and are expected to attract over Rs.6,600 crore in investments and create 40,000 jobs by 2030.

The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB), the nodal agency for the sector, has shortlisted six potential coastal locations, with three sites-Nandgaon in Palghar, Dighi in Raigad, and Vijaydurg in Sindhudurg-being evaluated for the first cluster. A consultant will soon be appointed to conduct a detailed techno-economic feasibility study and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR), officials said.

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