Karnataka initiates PPP tender process for mechanisation of berths at Mangaluru, Malpe and Karwar ports: Sonowal

Karnataka initiates PPP tender process for mechanisation of berths at Mangaluru, Malpe and Karwar ports: Sonowal

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Dec 7, 2025: The Karnataka government has initiated the tender process for mechanisation and management of berths at Old Mangaluru Port, Malpe Port and Karwar Port under the Public-Private Partnership (Rehabilitate, Operate, Maintain and Transfer) model, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal informed the Lok Sabha.

He said ports other than major ports are under the administrative control of respective State governments.

The State government has proposed to develop Honnavar Port under the PPP model. The Minister said all required Coastal Regulation Zone and environmental clearances for the project have been obtained and work is ready to commence.

For other PPP-based port projects in the State, a concession agreement has been signed with JSW Keni Port Pvt Ltd to develop an all-weather deepwater greenfield port under the DBFOT model at an estimated cost of ₹4,118 crore. Public hearing has been completed and environmental clearance is awaited.

On Pavinakurve port, Mr. Sonowal said a proposal has been initiated to develop it as an independent port in collaboration with New Mangalore Port Authority.

A feasibility report to develop Manki Port has been submitted by IIT Madras, and the tender process has been initiated to appoint a transaction advisor.

He said ₹12.50 crore has been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for upgradation of Malpe Fishing Harbour, and the work is in progress. The State also proposes to build a multilevel parking facility and an additional jetty at Malpe Port to meet increased berthing needs of fishing vessels.

The Minister was replying to an unstarred question by Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP from Udupi-Chikkamagaluru.