The Karnataka State Cabinet has given a major boost to maritime infrastructure development along the state’s coastline, approving projects worth over ₹8,400 crore covering port infrastructure, shipbuilding, ship repair, water metro services, passenger ferry operations and integrated island development.
The initiatives are aimed at strengthening Karnataka’s maritime economy by expanding port capacity, improving coastal connectivity, promoting shipbuilding and repair activities, and developing maritime tourism.
Speaking at a recent CII-Mangaluru event, Balachandra HC, CEO of the Karnataka Maritime Board, said the state’s maritime development strategy extends beyond cargo handling to encompass ports, logistics, shipbuilding, tourism, mobility, investment and environmental sustainability.
₹6,925 Crore Multipurpose Port and Shipyard at Manki
A major component of the proposed investment is a multipurpose port and shipyard facility at Manki in Uttara Kannada district, with an estimated investment of ₹6,925 crore.
The proposed facility will have a cargo handling capacity of 15 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model.
The project is expected to strengthen Karnataka’s port infrastructure while creating additional capacity for cargo movement and supporting the development of the shipbuilding sector.
Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Facility at Gangolli
The Cabinet has also approved a shipbuilding and ship repair facility at Gangolli in Udupi district, involving an estimated investment of ₹322 crore.
The facility will be developed on a DBFOT basis and is expected to strengthen the state’s shipbuilding and repair ecosystem, creating opportunities for maritime industries and associated services.
In addition to the port and shipyard projects, the broader maritime development programme includes water metro and passenger ferry services, along with integrated island development along the Karnataka coast.
Together, these initiatives represent a significant push towards positioning Karnataka as a major maritime, logistics, shipbuilding and coastal tourism destination.