Sonowal launches ₹1,500-cr projects at NMPA golden jubilee; port targets 100 MT by 2047 under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.
In a major boost to India’s maritime future, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) is on track to handle 100 million tonnes of cargo by 2047. The announcement came during the golden jubilee celebrations of the port, marking 50 years since its opening in 1975.
What began as a modest facility handling 90,000 tonnes in its first year has now grown into a strategic maritime hub, recording 46.7 million tonnes in 2024–25. Sonowal said the port will play a pivotal role in realising the government’s long-term Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, aimed at transforming India’s maritime sector over the next two decades.
₹1,500 crore boost: 16 projects and 113 CSR initiatives unveiled
In a landmark development push, Sonowal unveiled:
- 16 major infrastructure projects
- 113 CSR initiatives
Together worth ₹1,500 crore, these projects are focused on expanding port capacity, strengthening connectivity, and enhancing sustainability.
The minister noted that under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India is working to upgrade port infrastructure, green shipping, inland waterways, logistics efficiency, and cruise tourism.
He also highlighted commitments made at India Maritime Week 2025, where MoUs worth ₹12 lakh crore were signed, including ₹52,000 crore from NMPA alone.
India’s shipbuilding ambitions: Top 10 by 2030, top 5 by 2047
Sonowal reiterated the government’s goal of positioning India among the:
- Top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030
- Top 5 by 2047
He added that NMPA’s roadmap includes scaling port profits tenfold in the next decade, with strong involvement from local communities in all development efforts.
Pushing green shipping and better road connectivity
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi announced that his ministry is working with the Directorate General of Shipping to promote green hydrogen as a marine fuel, advancing cleaner and sustainable shipping options.
MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta shared key connectivity upgrades:
- Agreement to hand over the B.C. Road–Surathkal Port Connectivity Road to NHAI
- Approval for a detailed project report for a bypass connecting NH 66 and NH 75
- Formation of a Joint Working Group to study an integrated road–rail tunnel in the Shiradi Ghat section
These upgrades aim to ease cargo movement and significantly cut travel time.
A vision for India @ 2047
Sonowal emphasised the central government’s close collaboration with Karnataka and other states to help India become the world’s leading economy by 2047, with maritime infrastructure as a key enabler.
From infrastructure expansion to green shipping and mega investments, a transformed New Mangalore Port is emerging as a critical pillar of India’s maritime future.
Source: Maritime gateway
