Govt Unveils ₹1,500 Crore Projects to Modernize New Mangalore Port

The Central Government has announced a significant investment of ₹1,500 crore for the modernization of the New Mangalore Port in Karnataka. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal during the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) held in Mangaluru. As part of the launch, a total of 20 development projects were unveiled to upgrade infrastructure, increase capacity, and integrate advanced digital technologies, aligning with the larger national vision of “Viksit Bharat”.

Capacity Boost and Digital Transformation

Speaking at the event, Minister Sonowal emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming all major ports into smart, efficient, and high-capacity hubs. He highlighted the port’s dramatic progress—from handling just 90,000 tonnes of cargo in its early years to 46 million tonnes today.

The new projects will further enhance the port’s capabilities through,

• Digital infrastructure upgrades
• Mechanized cargo handling systems
• Logistics efficiency improvements
• Sustainable and eco-friendly practices

National Vision: Viksit Bharat

Union Minister for Renewable Energy Prahlad Joshi, also present at the occasion, underscored the broader developmental context. He said India has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, and the modernization of key infrastructure like ports is part of the transformative roadmap under “Viksit Bharat”—a national vision to build a developed, future-ready India.

New Mangalore Port: A Strategic Asset

Located on the west coast of India, the New Mangalore Port is one of the country’s 12 major ports. It plays a crucial role in,

• Facilitating import and export of petroleum products, fertilizers, coal, and container cargo
• Supporting the agriculture, industrial, and energy sectors in Karnataka and neighboring regions
• Acting as a logistics hub for coastal and international trade routes
• With the new ₹1,500 crore investment, the port is poised to become a benchmark for efficiency, green growth, and digital integration among Indian ports.

Key Highlights of the ₹1,500 Cr Port Projects

• 20 projects launched during the Golden Jubilee of New Mangalore Port
• Focus on modernization, automation, and capacity expansion
• Strong alignment with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan
• Emphasis on eco-friendly port operations and digital transformation
• Project to significantly boost employment, logistics, and regional development

Static Facts

• Location: Mangaluru, Karnataka
• Port Authority: New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA)
• Projects Launched: 20
• Total Investment: ₹1,500 crore
• Key Ministries Involved: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways; Ministry of Renewable Energy
• Union Ministers Present: Sarbananda Sonowal, Prahlad Joshi
• Cargo Handled (Current): 46 million tonnes annually
• National Initiative Linked: Viksit Bharat, PM Gati Shakti Plan