By Priti Naik
The New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) will be investing Rs. 2,940 crores in 10 new projects. Out of these new projects, 36 acres of land has been already allotted to four projects for enabling port-led industrialization and has increased cargo inflow to the port. The fifth project, a skill development centre, is also under way as the project is under evaluation by an investor.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of NMPT A.V. Raman said that the feasibility studies are also under way for the remaining projects and discussions are on with the prospective investors. In addition to the 10 new projects identified, NMPT is implementing three projects worth ₹695 crore under the PM Gati Shakti National Plan.
He further added by saying that there is mechanization of Berth No 14 for handling container and other cargo on DBFOT basis, in association with JSW at a cost of ₹281 crore, construction of a new Berth No 17 for handling bulk and dry-bulk cargo worth ₹217 crore and construction of a fishing harbour at Kulai at a cost of ₹197 crore.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur reviewed the initiatives taken by ports for facilitating Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Operational Efficiency Through Technology (OETT) to boost growth under the PM Gati Shakti National Plan.
Chairman A.V. Ramana said that NMPT has, among other initiatives, gone live in the RFID application for efficient and smoother gate operations and reduced human intervention, introduced SMS and e-mail notifications for port clients for sharing invoices, receipts and reports. He also highlighted the rail and road connectivity issues faced by the port and its users. He laid stress on the matter as better connectivity will lead to increased cargo volume at the port and economic growth of the hinterland.
