Karnataka Maritime Board inks ₹4,500 crore pacts to develop ports, rail links, fisheries and coastal logistics infrastructure.
Karnataka’s coastal economy is set for a major transformation. The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has signed multiple agreements and MoUs worth ₹4,500 crore aimed at strengthening port connectivity, coastal infrastructure, and support facilities across the state. The announcements were made during India Maritime Week 2025, drawing strong interest from industry stakeholders.
A key highlight was the concession agreement with JSW Infrastructure to develop a greenfield, all-weather deep-water port at Keni in the Uttara Kannada district. Valued at ₹4,118 crore, the project will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and is expected to evolve into one of Karnataka’s most strategic maritime gateways on the west coast.
To further enhance multimodal logistics efficiency, KMB also signed an MoU with the Konkan Railway Corporation (KRCL) for the Amadalli railway siding project in the Uttara Kannada district. The ₹45.88-crore initiative will play a crucial role in improving cargo evacuation and boosting port-to-hinterland connectivity, typically a major bottleneck for exporters and industries.
In addition, KMB entered into an agreement with the Karnataka Department of Fisheries for projects worth ₹12 crore in Ballari district. The focus areas include cold storage facilities, seafood processing units, and a quality testing laboratory, aimed at strengthening the fisheries supply chain and enabling higher-value marine exports.
KMB officials emphasised that these partnerships will not only modernise infrastructure but also create a skilled workforce, generate new employment opportunities, and drive industrial growth across coastal regions. The board added that the investments will accelerate the state’s efforts to build a robust, integrated maritime ecosystem capable of supporting rising trade volumes and global competitiveness.
With ports, rail links, and fisheries upgrades all in motion, Karnataka is charting a steady course toward a more connected and future-ready coastal logistics network.
Source: Maritime Gateway
