Cruise terminal, hospital, and green infrastructure anchor NMPA’s transformation into a smart, sustainable gateway.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched eight major infrastructure projects for the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the port’s golden jubilee celebrations. The initiatives include a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, modern covered storage facilities, a 150-bed multi-speciality hospital, expanded truck terminals, upgraded port access infrastructure, and a dedicated medical app for beneficiaries, each designed to enhance operational capacity, user experience, and regional connectivity.
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said India’s ports will play a pivotal role in achieving the country’s long-term economic goals. “To become a ₹30 trillion economy and realise the vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, we must also become a Viksit Atmanirbhar Maritime Nation by 2047,” he said.
Established in 1975 as India’s ninth major port, New Mangalore has evolved into a critical hub for importers and exporters in the region. From handling a few thousand tonnes of cargo in its early years, the port managed 46.01 million tonnes (MT) in the last financial year, with a total installed capacity of 104 MT per annum. A new deep-draft general cargo berth is also under construction and expected to commence operations shortly.
The minister commended NMPA’s commitment to sustainability, noting that economic growth must not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
“The green initiatives undertaken by NMPA are commendable. The port has embraced sustainability as a guiding principle and continues to integrate environmentally conscious practices in its operations,” Sonowal said.
Sonowal also highlighted India’s broader maritime transition, pointing to initiatives such as the Harit Sagar Guidelines, Green Tug Transition Programme, Harit Nauka Scheme, and Green Shipping Corridors. These efforts are accelerating the shift toward clean fuels, electric vessels, and a green maritime ecosystem aligned with global standards.
Laying out the future roadmap, Sonowal said the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 is aligned with the principles of the blue economy to strengthen India’s maritime capabilities. With planned investments of ₹8 trillion under the Sagarmala Programme, the vision is expected to generate millions of jobs and catalyse regional development.
To commemorate the port’s five-decade journey, Sonowal also unveiled a commemorative postal stamp, a commemorative coin, and the official Golden Jubilee Anthem of NMPA, celebrating its contribution to India’s maritime trade and coastal growth.