Karnataka’s maritime masterplan envisages ₹23000-cr investments across coast

An inside view of New Mangalore Port Authority, in Mangaluru
| Photo Credit:
H S MANJUNATH

Karnataka’s Maritime and Waterways masterplan has identified around 125 projects to attract investments of around ₹23000 crore in the state’s maritime sector, according to Manjula N, Secretary, Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department, Government of Karnataka.

Speaking at the Karnataka session of the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai on Tuesday, she said Karnataka has three coastal districts – Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada — with potential for investments in maritime sector.

Stating that Karnataka was the first state to create State Maritime and Waterways Masterplan, she said around 125 potential projects have been identified in this. To support this, the State government has also drafted maritime policy.

The whole fulcrum of this initiative is to translate the initiatives of this policy into reality through public-private partnerships (PPP), she said. This initiative expects investment of more than ₹23,000 crore spanning across sectors such as development of ports and fishing harbours, coastal tourism, and connectivity.

A port is being planned at Keni in Uttara Kannada district with a capacity of 30 million tonnes per annum. An investment of around ₹4000 crore is expected in that project, Manjula added

Balachandra HC, Chief Executive Officer of Karnataka Maritime Board, said Karnataka has got a comprehensive portfolio of 10 ready-to-launch PPP projects with investment opportunities to the tune of ₹7500 crore in the state’s maritime sector. Of the 10 projects, nine are greenfield ones and the remaining is a brownfield project.

Giving break-up of these projects, he said four of these projects are related to port development across Karnataka coast and two are related inland waterways development. He said four island and tourism development projects are also there.

Highlighting some of the projects under the above-mentioned ones, he said they include development of a multipurpose port at Manki in Uttara Kannada district, development of an international cruise tourism port in Mangaluru of Dakshina Kannada district, and development of a water metro network in Mangaluru.

Development of coastal passenger ferry service from Mangaluru to Maravanthe in Udupi district, and establishment of a maritime museum in Karwar of Uttara Kannada district are also planned, he added.

Speaking on ‘PPP synergies for a sustainable blue economy’ as part of the Karnataka session, AV Ramana, Chairman of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), said PPP is the instrument that helps bring a lot of investment in maritime sector. It helps add capacity to the sector, increase efficiency, and improve the competitiveness.

Stating that Karnataka has around 12 minor port, he said it offers a huge potential for maritime development along Karnataka coast. He also stressed the need to improve between the maritime districts and the hinterland.

Mankal S Vaidya, Karnataka Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Inland Water Transport, spoke on the occasion.

–EOM–

Published on October 28, 2025