Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 14: The cargo handling capacity of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), which once stood at 90,000 tonnes and currently handles 46 million tonnes, will be increased to 100 million tonnes by 2047 under the union government’s Amrit Kaal Maritime Vision, union minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced.
He was speaking on Thursday while presiding over the Golden Jubilee celebrations of NMPA held at Dr B R Ambedkar Stadium, Panambur.
Sonowal said the New Mangalore Port has evolved into an environmentally friendly green port with modern facilities, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic sector and the development of coastal residents. The port’s economic progress has increased tenfold, he noted, adding that beneficiaries will gain immensely from this growth.
He said India’s economic development is moving rapidly in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making the country a global power. India has now grown to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, he added.
Calling Karnataka a self-reliant and strong state, Sonowal highlighted Mangaluru’s crucial role in Make in India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Union minister for renewable energy, food and civil supplies Pralhad Joshi, who participated as chief guest, said that behind NMPA’s 50-year journey lies the contribution of countless individuals. NMPA has provided direct and indirect employment to nearly 30,000 people, he noted.
The event was attended by Shyam Jagannath, director general of shipping, MP Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Dr Bharath Shetty, Vedavyas Kamath, Gurme Suresh Shetty, former MP Nalin Kumar and others. NMPA chairman Dr Akkaraju Venkataramana welcomed the gathering.
Addressing a press conference earlier, Sonowal said India aims to achieve self-reliance in shipbuilding by developing shipbuilding clusters across the country.
Countries like China, Korea and Japan are global leaders in ship manufacturing. India intends to develop clusters in Odisha, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to strengthen its shipbuilding capabilities, the minister said.
He added that New Mangalore Port will be further developed to promote maritime tourism and industrial tourism, while also prioritising the development of economic resources.
Sonowal reiterated that Mangaluru Port has modern cargo-handling facilities and has earned the distinction of being a green port, thanks to solar energy usage and energy-efficient operations. Over the last five decades, the port has grown with the cooperation of the state and central governments as well as the people of the region, he said.
The press conference was attended by MP Brijesh Chowta, MLAs Dr Y Bharath Shetty and Vedavyas Kamath, NMPA Chairman Dr Akkaraju Venkataramana and others.