Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Visits New Mangalore Port Authority
Mangalore: New Mangalore Port Authority had the distinct honour of welcoming Shri T. K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Government of India, on his official visit to the Port today. The visit marked a significant occasion for the Port, which is currently celebrating its Golden Jubilee year.
On arrival at the Port’s Administrative Building, the Secretary was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He was warmly received by Dr. A. V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA, along with Smt. S. Shanthi, Dy. Chairperson, NMPA, and officers of the Port.
The Secretary’s engagements commenced with a meeting at the NMPA Board Room, attended by the senior officers of the Port. The Chairman, Dr. A. V. Ramana, briefed on the Port’s key infrastructure, facilities, various projects, certifications, Port’s achievements and operational strengths. A detailed presentation was made on the Port’s operational review, followed by a comprehensive overview of NMPA’s key infrastructure projects and futuristic plans, including green port initiatives, port-led industrialization, logistics park development, mechanization of cargo handling, and cruise tourism infrastructure. All these efforts are strategically aligned with India’s Maritime Amritkaal Vision, aiming to transform Indian ports into world-class trade gateways.
The Secretary inaugurated key infrastructure initiatives during his visit. He laid the foundation stone for the extension of the Truck Parking Terminal near the Customs House, a crucial step towards enhancing logistics efficiency and cargo handling turnaround. He also inaugurated a newly constructed Security Surveillance Tower, symbolising the Port’s commitment to ensuring the highest levels of maritime safety. This tower is built to monitor port activities 24/7, thereby strengthening the Port’s ISPS-compliant perimeter security and emergency response capabilities. These measures reflect NMPA’s proactive approach towards creating a safe, secure, and resilient port environment.
Following this, the Secretary, MoPSW, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the Port’s recent accomplishments and encouraging the workforce to continue their contribution towards the maritime sector’s growth. He appreciated NMPA’s efforts in the adoption of state-of-the-art automation and digital technologies, including Automated Weighbridges, Drone-based surveillance, Automated firefighting, digital processing of port documents, E-kart ticketing, etc. He further acknowledged the leadership and contribution of Chairman NMPA in preparing the roadmap for automation technology adoption across the Major Ports in India. He visited the multi-specialty hospital being developed on a PPP basis, which is the first of its kind among the Major Ports in India.
The Secretary, MoPSW, also visited the Port’s International Cruise Lounge, where he reviewed the infrastructure and facilities extended to international cruise tourists. The modern amenities and passenger services were showcased as part of NMPA’s commitment to promote cruise tourism. Later, he embarked on a wharf familiarization tour by tug boat, accompanied by senior officers of the Port, gaining firsthand insights into the operational infrastructure and facilities. The Secretary, MoPSW, also visited the Chowgule SBD Mangalore Shipyard at Thannirbhavi, where he reviewed the shipbuilding infrastructure and appreciated the role of the shipyard in supporting India’s growing maritime manufacturing capabilities.