Karnataka showcases blueprint for sustainable blue growth at IMW 2025

On the second day of India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, a dedicated Karnataka State Session highlighted how Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) can drive sustainable growth across ports, fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and marine innovation.

The session, chaired by Mankal S. Vaidya, the Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport, Government of Karnataka, underscored the state’s 343 km coastline as a pivotal gateway for trade, tourism, and logistics. The Minister called for adopting a “Karnataka Model” of Blue Growth—a balanced approach that links economic prosperity with social equity and environmental stewardship. The address emphasized empowering coastal communities through modernized landing centers, cold-chain networks, skill development, and value-added fisheries, while ensuring ecological protection.

In her special address, Dr. Manjula N, IAS, Secretary, Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department, reinforced Karnataka’s commitment to sustainable maritime growth through policy integration, innovation, and institutional collaboration.

The seminar on “Exploring PPP Synergies for a Sustainable Blue Economy” brought together eminent speakers including:

• Dr. A. V. Ramana, Chairman, New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA)
• Balachandra H.C., IFS, CEO, Karnataka Maritime Board
• Sunil Gupta (IRTS), Director (Operations & Commercial), Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd.
• Dinesh Kumar Kaller, Director, Department of Fisheries, Government of Karnataka
• Inderveer Solanki, Project Director, National Inland Navigation Institute
• Devki Nandan Sharma, Whole Time Director, JSW Infrastructure Ltd.
• Sujal Shah, CEO, Adani Ports & SEZ (Mundra & Tuna)

Vasu Deva, Deputy CEO, Black Brix and CEO (in-charge), Karnataka Maritime Board, moderated the session and outlined the state’s strategic maritime roadmap. He announced that Karnataka is the first state to finalize a comprehensive Maritime and Waterways Master Plan, encompassing 126 projects with an investment potential exceeding ₹23,000 crore.

Highlighting flagship initiatives such as the upcoming Greenfield Port at Keni (with a planned capacity of 30 MTPA) and modernization of Karwar and Malpe ports, he reiterated the pivotal role of PPPs in expanding infrastructure sustainably. He also detailed efforts to develop inland waterways on the Kali, Tadadi, and Gurupur rivers, and the Mangalore Water Metro—a pilot for urban water-based mobility and tourism.

Karnataka has also become the first state to finalize Shoreline Management Plans, ensuring infrastructure development aligns with coastal conservation goals.

Balachandra H.C., Chief Executive Officer of the Karnataka Maritime Board, said the state has a portfolio of 10 ready-to-launch PPP projects offering investment opportunities worth ₹7,500 crore. Of these, nine are greenfield ventures and one is a brownfield project.

The session concluded with a call to global investors and industry partners to collaborate in realizing Karnataka’s vision of a sustainable, technology-driven, and inclusive Blue Economy, where ports, fisheries, and tourism thrive in harmony with nature.