Sonowal Launches Eight Major Projects as NMPA Begins Golden Jubilee Celebrations
The eight projects launched under the Golden Jubilee initiative underscore NMPA’s commitment to capacity expansion, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
- Country:
- India
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking the beginning of a milestone year for one of India’s leading maritime gateways.
To commemorate the event, the Minister unveiled eight transformative port development projects, along with a commemorative postal stamp, a special coin, and the official Golden Jubilee Anthem celebrating NMPA’s five decades of service to India’s maritime and trade ecosystem.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shri Sonowal hailed NMPA as “a shining example of India’s maritime progress,” noting its remarkable evolution from a small coastal port in 1975 to a major cargo hub handling over 46 million tonnes annually.
Eight New Projects to Boost Capacity, Connectivity, and Services
The eight projects launched under the Golden Jubilee initiative underscore NMPA’s commitment to capacity expansion, operational efficiency, and sustainability. These projects are expected to further strengthen the port’s role in India’s logistics and blue economy network.
The new projects include:
-
Two state-of-the-art covered storage sheds (14,000 MT capacity, pre-engineered design) to improve cargo handling and protection.
-
Dedicated cruise gate for international tourists, enhancing coastal tourism infrastructure.
-
Upgradation of KK Gate with RFID-enabled entry/exit systems, integrated Customs and CISF facilities to streamline cargo flow and security.
-
Expansion of the truck parking terminal (Customs House) with enhanced capacity for 50–80 trucks per day.
-
Construction of PQC roads at MDL Yard (675 meters) with advanced drainage systems to improve internal connectivity.
-
Development of a new truck parking terminal at Baikampady, covering 20,000 sq. m. and accommodating 180–200 trucks.
-
Establishment of a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode with an investment of ₹107 crore to serve port employees and local communities.
-
Launch of a dedicated medical app for healthcare access and benefits management for port beneficiaries.
“These projects represent a quantum leap in our infrastructure and service capabilities,” Shri Sonowal said. “They align with our national vision of making India a global maritime leader while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.”
NMPA: From Regional Port to National Growth Engine
Established in 1975 as India’s ninth major port, New Mangalore Port has transformed into a key trade hub connecting India’s western coast with global markets. The port’s annual handling capacity has expanded to 104 million tonnes per annum, supporting exports of petroleum products, fertilizers, coal, and containers.
A new deep-draft general cargo berth, currently under construction, will soon become operational — further boosting cargo capacity and enabling NMPA to accommodate larger vessels and diversified cargo streams.
“The New Mangalore Port has played an instrumental role in promoting industrialization and trade in Karnataka and the western hinterland,” Sonowal noted, adding that the port’s expansion “embodies India’s maritime vision of the 21st century.”
Vision 2047: Building a Viksit Atmanirbhar Maritime Nation
Looking ahead, the Minister emphasized that India’s ports will play a pivotal role in achieving the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at transforming India into a $30 trillion economy.
“To become a Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, we must also become a Viksit Atmanirbhar Maritime Nation by 2047,” Sonowal said, underscoring the importance of port-led growth, innovation, and sustainability.
The Minister highlighted India’s adoption of advanced initiatives such as the ‘Harit Sagar Guidelines’, ‘Green Tug Transition Programme’, ‘Harit Nauka Scheme’, and ‘Green Shipping Corridors’ — all of which promote low-emission, clean-fuel, and electric vessel operations.
“Our economy must grow in harmony with ecology,” Sonowal said. “The green initiatives undertaken by NMPA are commendable, setting benchmarks for responsible and sustainable port management.”
Maritime Amrit Kaal: A Decade of Transformation
Reflecting on the past decade, the Minister said India’s maritime sector has achieved “unprecedented progress” through initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which integrates blue economy principles into long-term development planning.
Under Sagarmala, a total of 840 projects worth ₹5.8 lakh crore are being implemented by 2035. Of these, 272 projects worth ₹1.41 lakh crore have already been completed, and 217 projects worth ₹1.65 lakh crore are in various stages of execution.
With an overall investment plan of ₹80 lakh crore, the maritime vision aims to create millions of jobs, improve logistics competitiveness, and position India as a global maritime power.
Celebration of Legacy and Future Vision
The Golden Jubilee of the New Mangalore Port Authority will be celebrated later this year, commemorating 50 years of contribution to India’s trade, logistics, and regional prosperity.
The ceremony was attended by R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), Dr. Venkata Ramana Akkaraju, Chairman, NMPA, and other senior officials and dignitaries from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Concluding the event, Sonowal said, “NMPA’s golden journey stands as a symbol of India’s maritime resurgence. Its next 50 years will define the nation’s march toward a sustainable, smart, and globally competitive maritime future.”
Google News