Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils 16 Infrastructure and 113 CSR Projects at New Mangalore Port

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has announced a ₹1,500-crore boost for New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) during its Golden Jubilee celebrations, unveiling 16 infrastructure projects and 113 CSR initiatives.

Infrastructure Development
- 16 major projects inaugurated, dedicated, or with foundation stones laid.
- Includes a new ₹9.51 crore Mercantile Marine Department office for seafarer examinations.
- Expansion plans to handle 100 million tonnes of cargo by 2047.

CSR Initiatives
- 113 projects worth ₹1,500 crore.
- A 150-bed multi-specialty hospital under PPP model—the first of its kind among India’s major ports.
- Focus on healthcare, education, and community development.

Strategic Partnerships
- NMPA signed ₹52,000 crore worth of MoUs at India Maritime Week 2025.
- Collaboration with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) to enhance training and opportunities for Indian seafarers.

Sustainability & Innovation
- NMPA is now 100% solar powered.
- Adoption of digital systems to reduce environmental impact.
- Launch of the Harit Cargo Concession Policy to promote green logistics.

Broader Maritime Vision
- India aims to become a top three maritime nation by 2047 under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
- Karnataka’s 320-km coastline and 12 minor ports are being developed under the Sagarmala Programme, with ₹6,526 crore worth of projects underway.
- India’s seafaring workforce has grown from 1.08 lakh in 2014 to over 3.2 lakh today, with projections that 1 in 5 global seafarers will be Indian by 2030.

Why It Matters
This Golden Jubilee marks NMPA’s transformation from a regional gateway into a globally competitive maritime hub. The blend of infrastructure, CSR, sustainability, and global partnerships positions Mangalore as a strategic maritime hub for South India and strengthens India’s role in global shipping and cruise tourism.