NMPA @ 50: A Golden Salute to India's Maritime Future

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) at Bharat Mandapam on 15 October 2025, commemorating 50 years since the port’s establishment.

To mark the milestone, the Minister launched eight key maritime infrastructure projects aimed at improving port efficiency, connectivity, and sustainability. These include the development of a modern cruise terminal, covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, upgraded truck terminals, and enhanced port access infrastructure.

Highlighting NMPA’s evolution into a major regional trade hub, Sonowal noted its growth from handling minimal cargo in its early years to managing 46.01 million tonnes annually, with a current capacity of 104 million tonnes. A deep-draft cargo berth is also under construction to further boost capacity and operational capability.

The Minister underscored the strategic importance of port development in achieving national goals under ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, linking maritime growth to India's ambition of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming India into a self-reliant, globally competitive maritime nation.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.