New Delhi, March 30: The central government has approved a proposal from the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) for the redevelopment of Berth Number 9 at New Mangalore Port. This initiative will be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, as announced on Monday.
According to the Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways, this project received approval on March 25, 2026. It is viewed as a significant step towards strengthening India’s port infrastructure and enhancing maritime logistics.
The project, estimated to cost around ₹438.29 crores, will be developed by a private company selected through an open tender process. The total capacity of this project will be 10.90 million tons per annum (MTPA). Additionally, the company managing the project will guarantee handling at least 7.63 MTPA of cargo within the first five years. Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with the overall project duration set at 30 years.
Under this plan, the existing infrastructure will be removed, and Berth Number 9 will be completely modernized. It will handle liquid bulk cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products (POL), and LPG.
The ministry stated that the modernization will increase the berth’s depth from the current 10.5 meters to 14 meters, with future provisions to extend it to 19.8 meters. This upgrade will allow larger vessels, including Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC), to easily access the port, accommodating ships with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of up to 200,000.
Shipping, Ports, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal remarked that this project exemplifies the rapid modernization of the country’s maritime infrastructure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized that the removal of outdated infrastructure and the development of modern facilities will enhance port capacity, enabling India to strengthen its position in global maritime trade.
New structures will replace nearly 50-year-old facilities, designed to last approximately 50 years, ensuring stable and sustainable operations for the long term. With the new capacity, the port will be equipped to meet the growing energy demands in the region. The movement of larger vessels will reduce logistics costs and enhance the port’s competitive edge.
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