New Mangalore Port gets 8 new projects as it celebrates golden jubilee

The Golden Jubilee milestone for the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) became even more special with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launching eight ambitious development projects at a ceremony on Wednesday.

In his address at Bharat Mandapam, Sonowal highlighted NMPA’s evolution over five decades from modest beginnings in 1975 to its current position as a crucial regional gateway.

“From handling just a few thousand tonnes of cargo in its early years, it has grown to handle 46.01MMT in the last financial year, with a total capacity of 104MMTPA. A new deep-draft general cargo berth is also under construction and will commence operations soon,” the Union Minister said.

The eight newly launched projects under NMPA's Golden Jubilee push are designed to expand infrastructure, boost operational efficiency, and champion green practices.

Cruise terminal to hospital

These include a world-class cruise terminal, set to welcome international tourists with enhanced facilities.

For cargo handlers, two new covered storage sheds of 14,000 metric tonnes collectively and a dedicated cruise gate are set to streamline port operations.

An expanded truck parking terminal at Customs House, improved entrance and exit gates equipped with RFID and customs clearance tech, and new PQC roads at MDL Yard were the other additions.

But the highlight was the launch of a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital in public-private partnership (PPP) mode with an investment of Rs 107 crore, as well as a dedicated medical app for beneficiaries.

Trucking infrastructure in the area is also receiving a major upgrade: the new facility at Baikampady terminal will span 20,000 square meters with capacity for nearly 200 trucks per day.

Senior officials of the ministry and the port authority, including Joint Secretary (Ports) R. Lakshmanan and NMPA Chairman Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, joined the celebrations in New Delhi, as Sonowal hailed the port’s sustainability initiatives.

“The green initiatives undertaken by NMPA are commendable. The port has embraced sustainability as a guiding principle and continues to integrate environmentally conscious practices in its operations,” added the Union Shipping Minister.

Sonowal also released a commemorative postage stamp for the Golden Jubilee milestone of New Mangalore Port Authority.

Maritime