Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal marked the Golden Jubilee of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA) in Mangaluru, commemorating 50 years of its role as a major maritime gateway. The event included the inauguration, dedication and foundation laying of 16 infrastructure projects and 113 CSR initiatives worth Rs 15 billion.

Highlighting NMPA’s transformation into a modern maritime hub, the Minister said its growth reflects the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that at India Maritime Week 2025, MoUs worth over Rs 120 trillion were signed across the sector, with NMPA accounting for Rs 520 billion. He also inaugurated the renovated Mangalore Marine College and Technology (MMCT) campus, calling it a milestone in building global-standard maritime talent.

Sonowal opened a new Rs 951 million Mercantile Marine Department office in Mangalore to ease competency examinations and certification for seafarers across the region. He praised MMCT for shaping skilled maritime professionals and acknowledged its collaboration with Mediterranean Shipping Company, which employs over 18,000 Indian seafarers.

Tracing NMPA’s five-decade journey, the Minister noted its growth from four berths and 90,000 tonnes of cargo in 1975 to 16 berths and 46 million tonnes of cargo today. With 92 per cent mechanisation, NMPA has become India’s largest coffee exporter and the second-largest LPG importer. The port aims to handle 100 million tonnes by 2047 and is advancing sustainability through 100 per cent solar adoption, digital systems and green logistics initiatives.

Sonowal inaugurated multiple projects, including a 150-bed multi-specialty hospital built under the PPP model—the first of its kind at Indian ports. Under the Sagarmala Programme, 32 projects worth Rs 65.26 billion are under way in Karnataka, with additional projects and industrial land allocations expected to boost investment and employment.

Emphasising India’s rise as a maritime power, he said India is now the world’s third-largest seafaring nation, with over 3,20,000 seafarers. By 2030, one in five global seafarers is expected to be an Indian. He also highlighted major achievements under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, including the Vadhvan Port Project, hydrogen hubs, green port frameworks and strong growth in inland waterways, coastal shipping and cruise tourism.

Dignitaries present included Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, MPs, MLAs, senior officials from NMPA and maritime institutions, and representatives from MSC and MMCT.

The event concluded with Sonowal calling on young maritime professionals to seize opportunities in what he described as the golden era of India’s maritime resurgence.