By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Oct 15 (BVI) Aimed at boosting India’s port infrastructure, logistics efficiency, and sustainability, Union Minister for Ports Sarbananda Sonowal launched eight major maritime development projects here today.
The projects include a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, modern covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, and upgraded port access infrastructure designed to improve user experience and operational capacity.
While inaugurating the curtain raiser ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), Sonowal also unveiled a commemorative postal stamp, a commemorative coin, and the official Golden Jubilee Anthem of NMPA to celebrate the port’s five decades of contribution to India’s maritime trade and regional growth.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said, “Today marks a momentous milestone for all of us. The New Mangalore Port, our ninth major port established in 1975, has evolved into a key hub for importers and exporters in the region. From handling just a few thousand tonnes of cargo in its early years, it has grown to handle 46.01 million tonnes in the last financial year, with a total capacity of 104 million tonnes per annum. A new deep-draft general cargo berth is also under construction and will commence operations soon.”
Reflecting on India’s long-term goals, Sonowal added, “As we move towards ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, our ports will play a crucial role in achieving the target of making India a $30 trillion economy. To become a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, we must also become a Viksit Atmanirbhar Maritime Nation by 2047.”
The Ports Minister underscored the need for sustainable and environmentally responsible growth, commending NMPA’s efforts toward green operations. “The economy should not grow at the cost of ecology and environment. 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,” Sonowal said.
Under Sagarmala, 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore are being implemented by 2035. Of these, 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have been completed, while 217 projects worth ₹1.65 lakh crore are currently underway.
The Golden Jubilee of NMPA will be celebrated later this year, marking 50 years of the port’s role in advancing India’s maritime trade and regional development. (BVI)
