Tender process initiated for mechanisation, management of berths at fishing ports in Mangaluru, Malpe, Karwar: Union Minister

Karnataka government has initiated tender process for mechanization and management of berths at Old Mangalore Port, Malpe Port and Karwar Port under Public Private Partnership (Rehabilitate, Operate, Maintain and Transfer) mode, according to Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

He told the Lok Sabha on Friday, December 5, that ports other than major ports are under the administrative control of the respective State governments.

The State government has proposed to develop Honnavar Port under PPP model.

“All necessary Coastal Regulation Zone and environmental clearances [for Honnavar port project] have been obtained; development work is ready to commence,” the Minister said.

Referring to other PPP based port development projects initiated by the State government in the State, the Minister said that concession agreement has been signed with JSW Keni Port Pvt Ltd for the development of an all-weather deepwater greenfield port on DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) model. This project is estimated to cost ₹4,118 crore. “Public hearing completed; environmental clearance is awaited,” the Minister said.

Referring to Pavinakurve port, Mr. Sonowal said that a proposal has been initiated to develop it as an independent port in collaboration with New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA).

“Feasibility report submitted by IIT, Madras to develop Manki Port. Tender process initiated for the appointment of a Transaction Advisor.”

The Minister said that the State government under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), has sanctioned ₹12.50 crore for the upgradation of Malpe Fishing Harbour, and the work is currently in progress. Further, the State government proposes to develop a multilevel parking facility to ease traffic congestion in Malpe fishing harbour area.

It has been proposed to build an additional jetty at Malpe port to accommodate the increased berthing requirements of fishing vessels, the Minister said.

Mr. Sonowal replied to an unstarred question by Kota Srinivas Poojary, MP, Udupi-Chikkamagaluru.