Karnataka begins tender process to mechanise and manage berths at fishing ports

The Karnataka government has launched the tender process for mechanising and managing berths at Old Mangalore Port, Malpe Port and Karwar Port through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Rehabilitate, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (ROMT) framework. This was disclosed by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the Lok Sabha on December 5.

Sonowal clarified that ports other than major ports fall under the jurisdiction of their respective State governments. In line with this, Karnataka has also proposed to develop Honnavar Port through a PPP arrangement. All required Coastal Regulation Zone and environmental clearances for the Honnavar project have been secured, and work is ready to begin, he said.

Providing an update on other PPP-based port initiatives in the State, the Minister said a concession agreement has been signed with JSW Keni Port Pvt. Ltd. for constructing an all-weather, deep-water greenfield port on a DBFOT (Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer) basis. The ₹4,118-crore project has completed its public hearing process and is now awaiting environmental clearance.

On the development of Pavinakurve Port, Sonowal said the State government has initiated a proposal to establish it as an independent port in partnership with the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA). He added that IIT Madras has submitted the feasibility report for the proposed Manki Port, and the process to appoint a Transaction Advisor is underway.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Karnataka has received ₹12.50 crore for upgrading the Malpe Fishing Harbour, with work currently progressing on site. The State also plans to build a multilevel parking facility to ease congestion in the harbour area and to construct an additional jetty at Malpe to meet rising berthing demand from fishing vessels.

Sonowal provided these updates while responding to an unstarred question raised by Udupi–Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary.