Mangaluru: Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, visited the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) on Friday and reviewed the port’s operations, ongoing projects and future development plans aimed at strengthening its role in India’s maritime growth story.
The senior official was received by Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman, NMPA, and S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, along with officers, employees and staff of the port. The visit commenced with a ceremonial guard of honour presented by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), NMPA unit, at the wharf.
Secretary reviews port operations and expansion plans
During the visit, Vijay Kumar undertook an extensive tour of the port to gain first-hand insights into marine operations, cargo handling facilities, gate automation systems, infrastructure and ongoing expansion activities. The Chairman and Deputy Chairperson accompanied him and briefed him on various operational and developmental aspects of the port.
A comprehensive review meeting was later held to assess the port’s performance, cargo traffic trends, infrastructure augmentation projects, digital initiatives and future business development strategies. The meeting was attended by senior officers of NMPA, officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL), Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and other organisations.
Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Kumar appreciated the efforts of NMPA in improving operational efficiency, port automation and infrastructure-led growth to enhance the port’s competitiveness and contribution to the regional economy.
Sushil Kumar Singh expressed gratitude to the secretary for his guidance and valuable suggestions and reaffirmed the port’s commitment to achieving sustainable growth and operational excellence.
Interaction with stakeholders and port users
The secretary also held an interactive meeting with major port users, including MRPL, KIOCL, JSW, IOCL and HPCL, besides representatives of stakeholders, stevedore agents, industries and trade unions.
The discussions focused on enhancing operational efficiency, improving ease of doing business and strengthening stakeholder collaboration to ensure sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
Infrastructure projects inaugurated
As part of his visit, Vijay Kumar inaugurated several infrastructure projects and launched initiatives worth a total of Rs 105 crore aimed at modernising port operations, improving efficiency, strengthening connectivity and promoting employee welfare.
Among the projects inaugurated was the MDL Yard Road Network Project, developed at a cost of Rs 7.23 crore. The project comprises over 1.1 kilometres of concrete roads, drainage systems and cargo support infrastructure designed to improve operational efficiency and support future berth development.
He also inaugurated a truck parking facility near Tannirbhavi Road developed at a cost of Rs 4.45 crore. The facility can accommodate 90 trucks simultaneously and is expected to ease congestion and facilitate smoother cargo movement.
The Baikampady Truck Parking Terminal, built at a cost of Rs 5.43 crore, was also inaugurated. The terminal can accommodate 50 trucks and includes amenities such as bathrooms, toilet blocks and staging facilities for freight vehicles.
Another key project dedicated to the nation was the PQC Road connecting NH-66 and the Baikampady Industrial Area. Developed at a cost of Rs 5.47 crore, the road is expected to create a vital freight corridor for industries and trade in the region.
Foundation stones laid for upcoming projects
The secretary laid foundation stones for two major projects during the visit. A covered storage shed inside the wharf, being constructed at a cost of Rs 8.65 crore, will provide modern storage facilities for bulk and break-bulk cargo and significantly enhance cargo handling capacity.
The beautification project of Panambur Beach Road, valued at Rs 5.67 crore, will include landscaping, plantation, drainage improvements, retaining walls and aesthetic enhancements. The initiative is expected to create a greener and more welcoming gateway to both the port and Panambur Beach while supporting Karnataka’s coastal tourism ambitions.
Focus on digitalisation and employee welfare
Among the transformational initiatives launched was the signing of an agreement with Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) for the electronic interlocking of the Panambur Railway Yard. The Rs 56.23-crore project aims to improve rail safety, enhance operational efficiency and increase rail-bound cargo evacuation capacity.
An AMRIT Pharmacy Service, valued at Rs 12 crore, was also launched to provide affordable access to life-saving medicines and healthcare products for employees, retirees and the local community.
The secretary additionally launched a mobile application for verification of credentials of personnel and vehicles operating within the customs-bound area. Developed at a cost of Rs 15.30 lakh, the application will facilitate real-time monitoring and improved access control in coordination with CISF.
As part of NMPA’s commitment to inclusivity and employee welfare, a lightweight electric wheelchair with joystick control was provided to a specially-abled employee, promoting mobility and workplace accessibility.
The initiatives launched during the visit reaffirm NMPA’s commitment to infrastructure modernisation, environmental sustainability, digital transformation, affordable healthcare and inclusive growth, reinforcing its contribution to India’s maritime aspirations under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.