Vijay Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, visited New Mangalore Port Authority on Tuesday to review the port’s operations, ongoing works and future development plans aimed at strengthening its role in India’s maritime growth story.
He was received at the port by Sushil Kumar Singh, IRSME, Chairman, NMPA, and S Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, along with officers, employees and staff. A ceremonial guard of honour was presented by the Central Industrial Security Force unit at the wharf to mark the start of the visit.
During the tour, the secretary inspected marine operations, cargo handling systems, gate automation, infrastructure facilities and expansion works to get a first-hand understanding of the port’s functioning. He was accompanied by the chairman and deputy chairperson, who briefed him on the port’s operational and developmental priorities.
A detailed review meeting was later held to assess the port’s performance, cargo traffic trends, infrastructure augmentation, digital initiatives and future business strategies. The meeting was attended by senior NMPA officials, ministry representatives and officials from organisations including DCIL and SCI.
Speaking on the occasion, the secretary appreciated NMPA’s efforts to improve operational performance, expand automation and pursue infrastructure-led growth to enhance competitiveness and support the regional economy. Sushil Kumar Singh thanked the secretary for his guidance and reaffirmed the port’s commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence.
The secretary also held an interactive meeting with port users, including MRPL, KIOCL, JSW, IOCL, HPCL and representatives of stakeholders, stevedore agents, industry groups and trade unions. The discussion focused on improving efficiency, ease of doing business and stronger collaboration for sustainable maritime growth.
As part of the visit, Vijay Kumar inaugurated several projects, laid foundation stones for upcoming works and launched transformational initiatives worth Rs 105 crore to modernise operations, improve efficiency, strengthen connectivity and support employee welfare.
Among the inaugurated projects was the MDL Yard Road Network Project, built at a cost of Rs 7.23 crore, which includes more than 1.1 km of concrete roads, drainage systems and cargo support infrastructure. He also inaugurated a truck parking facility near Tannirbhavi Road, developed at Rs 4.45 crore, with capacity for 90 trucks, and the Baikampady Truck Parking Terminal, built at Rs 5.43 crore, which can accommodate 50 trucks and offers basic amenities for freight vehicles.
Another key project inaugurated was the PQC road connecting NH-66 and the Baikampady Industrial Area, developed at Rs 5.47 crore, creating an important freight corridor for local industry and trade.
The secretary also laid foundation stones for two major projects. The Covered Storage Shed Inside Wharf, to be built at a cost of Rs 8.65 crore, will provide modern covered storage for bulk and break-bulk cargo and improve cargo handling capacity. The Beautification of Panambur Beach Road Project, valued at Rs 5.67 crore, will enhance the port’s approach road through landscaping, plantation, drainage improvements, retaining walls and aesthetic upgrades.
A series of further initiatives were also launched, covering sustainability, digitalisation, healthcare and employee welfare. These included an agreement with Indian Port Rail and Ropeway Corporation Limited for electronic interlocking of Panambur Railway Yard, a Rs 56.23 crore project aimed at improving rail safety, efficiency and cargo evacuation capacity.
In addition, an AMRIT Pharmacy Service worth Rs 12 crore was launched to provide affordable access to life-saving medicines and healthcare products for employees, retirees and the local community. A mobile application for verification of personnel and vehicles operating in the customs-bonded area was also introduced at a cost of Rs 15.30 lakh to enable real-time monitoring and better access control in coordination with CISF.
As part of its employee welfare efforts, NMPA also provided a lightweight electric wheelchair with joystick control to a specially-abled employee, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and workplace accessibility.
