New Mangalore Port
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: News on Air
Subject: Mapping
Context: The Government of India has launched ₹1,500 crore worth of modernisation projects at the New Mangalore Port as part of its Golden Jubilee (50 years) celebrations in 2025.
About New Mangalore Port (NMP):
What it is?
• New Mangalore Port is an all-weather, deep inner-harbour major port on India’s west coast, and the only major port in Karnataka. It is among India’s top 10 major ports and a key gateway for petroleum, coal, container, and agricultural cargo.
Location:
• Situated at Panambur, Mangaluru, on the Arabian Sea coast.
• Lies north of the Gurupur (Phalguni) River estuary.
• 170 nautical miles south of Mormugao Port (Goa) and 191 nautical miles north of Kochi Port.
Established In:
• 1962 – Mangalore Harbour Project initiated
• 1968 – Maritime works commenced
• 4 May 1974 – Declared India’s 9th Major Port
• 11 January 1975 – Formally inaugurated by PM Indira Gandhi
• 1 April 1980 – Came under Major Port Trust Act, 1963
• 3 November 2021 – Renamed as New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021
History:
• Ancient port city referenced in Roman, Greek, and Ptolemaic records; known as Mangala in classical geography.
• Arab traders used the port for spice and silk trade during the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Old Mangalore Port (Bunder) became inadequate for rising trade needs, leading to the creation of a new deep-water port at Panambur.
• Grew from handling <1 lakh tonnes to 46 million tonnes (2024–25).
Key Features:
• Deepest inner harbour on India’s west coast.
• Total area: ~480 hectares (1,200 acres).
• Handles major export cargo: POL products, iron ore pellets, container cargo.
• Handles major import cargo: crude oil (for MRPL), coal, fertilizer, edible oil, liquid chemicals, containers.
• Excellent connectivity via NH-66, Konkan Railway (Surathkal station) and Mangaluru International Airport.
• Plays a vital role in export-led growth, reducing logistics costs, and supporting Karnataka’s industrial hinterland.