Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has outlined plans to seek around Rs 1,300 crore in funding from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to redevelop Berth 9 and deepen the navigational channel leading to the port, Chairman N. Vinodkumar said.
The port has already submitted a proposal to the Union ministry seeking about Rs 750 crore to modernise and develop a 350-metre-long multi-cargo facility at Berth 9, which has remained idle for several years. Berth 9 is currently the only berth at Mormugao Port that has not been privatised.
“We have already submitted a proposal for the development of Berth 9, which is the only berth remaining with the port. We want to develop it into a 350-metre multi-cargo berth with a shore power system. We expect the Government of India to approve the project and provide the required funds,” Vinodkumar said.
MPA is also preparing a second proposal, expected to be submitted within the next two months, for capital dredging of the berths and the approach channel. The plan aims to increase the current draft of 14.4 metres to 19.8 metres in the approach channel and 19.5 metres in at least four berths.
According to the port authority, the deeper draft would position Mormugao as one of the few deep-draft ports in the country, enabling it to handle capesize vessels. At present, Panamax vessels calling at the port, with deadweight tonnage of 70,000–80,000 tonnes, are unable to load fully due to draft limitations.
“Deepening the channel will allow larger vessels to carry more cargo in a single call, significantly reducing freight costs and carbon emissions, and lowering overall logistics costs,” the chairman said.
However, MPA’s strained financial position and the 50% funding cap under the Sagarmala programme have prompted the port to seek 100% central funding for the projects.
“Rs 1,300 crore is a very large investment for a small port like ours. We cannot even afford to spend Rs 600–700 crore on our own,” Vinodkumar said, adding that both proposals would be placed before the Centre within the next three to four months.
