The Union government has initiated the tender process for the mechanisation and professional management of berths at the major fishing ports of Mangaluru, Malpe and Karwar, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Sunday.
According to the Minister, the move is aimed at modernising coastal infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing safety and turnaround time for fishing vessels along Karnataka’s coastline. The initiative is part of the Centre’s broader push to upgrade fisheries-related facilities under schemes aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The proposed mechanisation will include modern berthing systems, improved landing facilities, cold-chain integration, and digital port management tools. Officials said the effort would not only support fishermen with faster and more reliable services but also help boost marine product exports by strengthening handling and logistics capabilities.
The Minister added that once the tenders are finalised, phased development work will begin across all three ports, ensuring minimal disruption to fishing activity. The project is expected to give a significant fillip to the fisheries sector in coastal Karnataka, benefiting thousands of fishermen, traders and ancillary workers.