T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated a newly constructed Security Surveillance Tower on Friday to enable round-the-clock monitoring of port operations. The facility enhances the port’s ISPS-compliant perimeter security and emergency preparedness.
Upon arrival at the administrative building, the secretary was welcomed with a ceremonial guard of honour by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He was received by A.V. Ramana, Chairman of NMPA, along with Deputy Chairperson S. Shanthi and other senior port officials.
Ramachandran laid the foundation stone for expanding the truck parking terminal near the Customs House, an important initiative aimed at improving logistics efficiency and cargo turnaround time.
In his address, he applauded the port’s recent achievements and urged employees to sustain their contributions to maritime sector progress. He commended NMPA’s integration of advanced automation and digital tools, such as automated weighbridges, drone surveillance, automated firefighting systems, e-processing of documents, and e-kart ticketing.
He also visited the upcoming multi-speciality hospital being developed under a PPP model and inspected the international cruise lounge, where modern amenities for cruise passengers were highlighted as part of efforts to boost tourism.
Later, the secretary embarked on a wharf familiarisation tour aboard a tugboat to assess operational facilities. He concluded his visit at Chowgule SBD Mangalore Shipyard in Tannirbhavi, where he reviewed shipbuilding capabilities and praised the shipyard’s contribution to India’s maritime manufacturing growth.