New Mangalore Port sets 2047 target to handle 100 million tonnes of cargo: Sonowal

By Admin

14 Nov, 2025

New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) has marked a historic milestone as it celebrates its golden jubilee, with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announcing an ambitious long-term target: the port will handle 100 million tonnes (MT) of cargo by 2047. This vision aligns with India’s broader maritime growth strategy and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push to expand national port capacity.

Golden Jubilee Marks a New Era of Growth

Speaking at the 50-year celebration of NMPA, Sonowal reflected on the port’s remarkable journey since its inauguration in 1975, when it handled just 90,000 tonnes of cargo. Fast forward to 2024-25, NMPA managed 46.7 million tonnes, highlighting its steady rise as one of India’s major maritime gateways. With the current growth trajectory, Sonowal expressed confidence that the port will reach 100 MT by 2047.

India’s Maritime Sector on a Rapid Growth Path

Sonowal stated that the Indian maritime sector is witnessing transformative growth, with the Prime Minister setting a national goal for Indian ports to collectively handle 10,000 MT of cargo by 2047. He also echoed India’s shipbuilding ambitions, stating that the country aims to be among the top-10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top-5 by 2047, backed by major investments and policy reforms.

India’s Economic Strength Supporting Port Expansion

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted India’s growing economic stature under the leadership of PM Modi. He mentioned that India is already the fourth largest economy and is rapidly progressing toward becoming the third largest. To stay competitive with global players like the US and China, Joshi emphasized the need to scale up India’s manufacturing and export capabilities, noting that ports like NMPA play a crucial role in reducing logistics costs and boosting exports.

Strengthening Port-Led Development in Karnataka

Capt Brijesh Chowta, MP from Dakshina Kannada, highlighted Mangaluru’s importance as Karnataka’s major education hub and requested the establishment of a maritime university in the region. He also stressed the need for improved connectivity, particularly the integrated road and rail network in the Shirady Ghat section, which connects Mangaluru to Bengaluru. Enhanced connectivity, he said, would unlock NMPA’s full potential.

NMPA’s Record Financial Performance and Green Initiatives

AV Ramana, Chairman of NMPA, announced that the port achieved a profit after tax (PAT) of ₹450 crore in 2024-25 and is on track to touch ₹550 crore in 2025-26. He highlighted that NMPA is a 100% solar-powered green port, implementing technological advancements such as robotic fire-fighting systems and drone-based surveillance to strengthen safety and efficiency.

A Key Contributor to Karnataka’s Cashew Industry

AK Rao, President of Karnataka Cashew Manufacturers’ Association, acknowledged NMPA’s vital role in supporting the state’s cashew sector. Karnataka imports around 5 lakh tonnes of raw cashew nuts and exports 20,000 tonnes of cashew kernel. As the cashew industry celebrates its 100-year milestone, Rao noted that the sector provides employment to around 80,000 women, making it a significant contributor to rural livelihoods.