Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 18: It has transpired that the state government has taken a decision to privatize six of the 12 ports presently under its control. They include Malpe port near Udupi, and Belekeri in Uttara Kannada district.

It is said that private concerns have already expressed interest in developing three ports. The government is interested in completing formalities connected thereto and handover these ports to private parties, within the next two months. Minister for ports and textiles, Baburao Chinchanasur, said that the government had identified Malpe, Manki, Mavinakurve, Belekeri, Tadadi, and Honnavar ports for being given on 30-year lease to private parties for development.

New Delhi-based Ashraya Ports has already evinced interest in developing Belekeri port. The chief minister already has held discussions with company representatives relating to this proposal. Discussions are on about the prospects of handing over Manki port to Renuka Sugar and Honnavar port to an Andhra Pradesh-based company for development. Chinchanasur said that private parties have come forward even for the development of the other three ports, and that their proposals are in different stages of discussion.

The minister said that the development of ports will be public-private partnership model, and that the government will continue to retain business control of these ports. He said a definite decision would be taken in about a month.