New Delhi, Dec. 30 -- Shipyards investing in new building and repair facilities in specified industrial corridors may get land for nearly free, as the Centre looks to encourage the industry in India's coastal states.

Land and common maritime infrastructure may be provided to such shipyards on lease for 60 years that can be extended further, the ports and shipping ministry proposed in greenfield shipbuilding cluster development scheme guidelines released on Monday. While a nominal lease rent would be charged, the Centre and the states would not include the land cost as part of the lease to be received from the cluster participants.

Shipbuilding firms, particularly the global giants, insist on availability on land and associated infrastru...