Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta stressed the need for a Central Maritime University in Mangaluru.
Speaking during a workshop on maritime adversities organised by New Mangalore Port Authority, in Mangaluru, he said “I had discussed it with a few consultants. A project report in this regard is already in the works and will be submitted to the Ministry of Shipping shortly.
“The Maritime University needs to be named after Rani Abbakka, whose 500th year of birth anniversary will be observed this year. There can not be a better place than Mangaluru for setting up Maritime University.”
He said that Mangaluru has a potential to become a trade hub of Karnataka. More activities need to be organised to understand the maritime adversities and opportunities.
There is a need to look into the possibility for ship building and ship repair industries in Mangaluru to boost the economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been stressing on port- led development in India.
The recent union budget had announced a ship building cluster and maritime development fund to support India’s Maritime sector. All these activities are pointing at Viksit Bharat. Port and maritime industries play a big role in realising the dream of Viksit Bharat, he added.
The ship building and ship repair industry will generate a huge employment in the region. Dakshina Kannada is a region of ocean of possibilities. These possibilities can be realised with port led development.
Capt Chowta said that he has urged Union ministers of road transport and highways and Railways to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) jointly for the development of the national highway and railway line on the Mangaluru-Bengaluru route via Shiradi Ghat.
The DPR prepared jointly will help expedite the process of getting necessary clearances and will also minimise the impact on the environment. The better connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru and railway connectivity between Ankola and Hubballi will help
in improving the overall development of Karnataka, he felt.
NMPA Chairman Venkata Ramana Akkaraju urged stakeholders to be cautious of “rogue vessels” seeking help while sailing in Indian waters or international territory.
“When vessels flag distress help, one need to check properly whether the vessel has international insurance and is in good condition.
Several vessels without proper fitness certification ply throughout the year and encounter problems during inclement weather conditions.
“When such rogue vessels enter Indian ports, they create nuisance to the port and government of India. When such vessels sink, they cause huge loss to the port and pollution to marine ecology, he said. People want to take advantage of the loopholes in Indian law by getting fitness certificates from other countries. The New Mangalore Port’s master plan aims to position NMPA as a 100+ MMT port and boost Karnataka’s economic growth in the coming days, he added.
