Mangaluru’s Port Expansion Boosts Trade and Employment Opportunities

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• June 6, 2025
• Companies & Industry, Karnataka
• Employment
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Gateway to Growth: Mangaluru’s Port Drives Economic Transformation

Mangaluru, Karnataka: Mangaluru’s strategic location on India’s western coast is playing a pivotal role in boosting trade and employment through the expansion of the New Mangalore Port (NMP). With enhanced facilities and increased cargo handling capacity, the port is becoming a key player in India’s maritime economy while significantly benefiting the local community.

In 2025, the port handled over 42 million tons of cargo, marking a 15% increase from the previous year, as per data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Highlights of the Port Expansion

Increased Cargo Handling Capacity

• The recent addition of two deep-draft berths has enabled the port to accommodate larger vessels, boosting its annual handling capacity to 50 million tons.

Modernization of Facilities

• The installation of state-of-the-art cranes and container scanning systems has reduced loading and unloading times, improving overall efficiency.

Connectivity Improvements

• The development of dedicated rail and road corridors linking the port to key industrial hubs, such as Bengaluru and Mysuru, has streamlined cargo movement.

Economic and Employment Impact

Trade Growth

• Mangaluru’s port expansion has facilitated increased trade with Gulf countries, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Export of goods like coffee, spices, and petrochemicals has surged, contributing over ₹20,000 crore to Karnataka’s economy in 2025.

Job Creation

• The expansion has created over 25,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, in sectors such as logistics, warehousing, and transportation.

Sustainability Measures

Green Port Initiatives

• The port is adopting eco-friendly practices, including shore power supply for docked vessels and wastewater treatment facilities, reducing its environmental footprint.

Renewable Energy Integration

• Solar panels installed across the port premises generate 5 MW of clean energy, contributing to Karnataka’s renewable energy goals.

Boost to Local Industry

Supporting Agriculture and Industry

• Enhanced export facilities have directly benefited Karnataka’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors, enabling faster and more cost-effective international shipping.

Fisheries Sector Growth

• With better cold storage and export infrastructure, local fishermen are now able to export seafood to global markets, significantly increasing their earnings.

Future Plans for New Mangalore Port

• Expand cargo handling capacity to 70 million tons by 2030.
• Develop a dedicated cruise terminal to boost tourism in the coastal region.
• Introduce AI-driven logistics management systems for real-time monitoring and efficiency.

Mangaluru: Karnataka’s Trade Powerhouse

The expansion of New Mangalore Port underscores Mangaluru’s importance as a gateway for India’s trade and economic growth. By enhancing infrastructure, supporting local industries, and adopting sustainable practices, the port is not only driving economic progress but also positioning itself as a leader in India’s maritime sector.

As Mangaluru continues to grow as a trade and employment hub, it reaffirms its role as a crucial link in Karnataka’s development story.