New Mangalore Port gets Rs 1,500-crore upgrade as Sonowal inaugurates key projects

New Mangalore Port gets Rs 1,500-crore upgrade as Sonowal inaugurates key projects

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 14, 2025: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated new projects worth Rs 1,500 crore to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), here on Thursday.

The projects include a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital, under vehicle scanner system, energy and food supply chain projects, the four-lane port connectivity road, truck terminal and rail cover sheds.

NMPA’s growth reflects the Centre’s vision for a Viksit Bharat, the minister said while lauding the port’s initiative under Sagarmala programme, drive towards digitalisation, green energy transition and its significant contribution to the blue economy.

“NMPA has evolved into one of India’s most technologically advanced ports — operating on 100% solar power, pioneering automation and maintaining a 92% mechanised cargo handling operation,” the union minister said. 

Sonowal also commemorated the 500th birth anniversary of Rani Abbakka by renaming the newly upgraded KK Gate as ‘Rani Abbakka Gate’. He also inaugurated the exhibition hall showcasing NMPA’s 50-year journey of growth and transformation, highlighting its key milestones, developmental projects and contributions to the maritime sector.

NMPA aims to increase cargo handling capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2047

The New Mangalore Port originally had a cargo handling capacity of 90,000 tonnes. It now handles 46 million tonnes of cargo. Under the Union government’s Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision, steps will be taken to increase the port’s cargo handling capacity to 100 million tonnes by 2047, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. He was speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) held at Dr B.R. Ambedkar Stadium in Panambur.

Sonowal said that the New Mangalore Port, as an environmentally friendly and green port equipped with modern facilities, has been contributing to the country’s economic development as well as the progress of coastal communities. “The port’s economic growth has increased tenfold and this will greatly benefit stakeholders,” he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global power is driving the country’s rapid economic progress. India has now grown to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, Sonowal noted. Karnataka, he said, is a self-reliant and strong state, and Mangaluru’s contribution to initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat is highly significant.

Union Minister for Renewable Energy, Food and Civil Supplies Prahlad Joshi, who was the chief guest, said that many people have contributed to NMPA’s growth as it celebrates its 50th year. He noted that the port has provided direct and indirect employment to around 30,000 people.

Others present at the event included Shyam Jagannath, Director General of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; MP Brijesh Chowta; MLAs Dr Bharath Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, and Gurme Suresh Shetty; former MP Nalin Kumar, among others.