The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has signed a series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and a concession agreement with various stakeholders aimed at strengthening the State’s maritime ecosystem. The agreements, collectively valued at around ₹4,500 crore, focus on enhancing connectivity, developing critical infrastructure, and modernising the maritime workforce.
During the recently concluded India Maritime Week 2025, KMB exchanged a concession agreement with JSW Infrastructure Ltd for the development of an all-weather deep-water greenfield port at Keni, Uttara Kannada district, under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The project, worth ₹4,118 crore, is expected to be a major catalyst for regional trade and logistics growth.
KMB also entered into an MoU with Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) for developing the Amadalli railway siding project, estimated at ₹45.88 crore, to improve hinterland connectivity. Another significant MoU was signed with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for developing national waterways in Karnataka, with an investment of around ₹300 crore.
To strengthen capacity building and skill development, KMB partnered with the National Inland Navigation Institute, Patna, to establish a Centre of Excellence in Inland Water Transport and Navigation at Mangaluru in Dakshina Kannada district.
In addition, KMB signed an agreement with the Karnataka Department of Fisheries for projects worth ₹12 crore in Ballari district, including the development of cold storage, processing units, and a testing laboratory to support the fisheries sector.
These initiatives mark a major step toward transforming Karnataka’s maritime infrastructure and positioning the state as a key player in India’s coastal economy.