Karnataka Invites Investors for Integrated Maritime PPP Projects
PORTS & SHIPPING

Karnataka Invites Investors for Integrated Maritime PPP Projects

The Karnataka Maritime Board is shifting towards a public-private partnership (PPP) model to modernise the state’s coastal infrastructure, with plans extending beyond port capacity expansion to logistics, specialised shipbuilding and digital connectivity. The strategy is intended to create an integrated maritime network and improve efficiency across the state’s coastal economy.

Karnataka currently manages one major port, New Mangalore Port, and 13 minor ports. The state is seeking private investment to improve operations and reduce logistics costs for regional businesses. Anchored by New Mangalore Port, the maritime cluster provides Karnataka with access to the Arabian Sea and supports port-led development along the western coast.

The development programme also includes river tourism and urban water transport initiatives along the Gurupura and Nethravati rivers. These projects are intended to create connected tourism routes and improve urban mobility by water, complementing port development with a broader approach to coastal and inland waterway infrastructure.

The initiative is based on the Karnataka Maritime Development Policy, which has identified 13 locations for maritime infrastructure development. They are Karwar, Belekeri, Keni, Tadri, Pavinakurve, Honnavar, Manki, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hangarkatta, Malpe, Padubidri and Old Mangalore Port. The policy replaces the Karnataka Minor Ports Development Policy of 2014 and covers maritime tourism, greenfield ports, fisheries, industrial development, logistics and near-shore wind farms for renewable energy.

Implementation will be a key consideration for investors and industrial users. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) has sought deeper port access to accommodate larger ships and reduce operating costs. The proposed PPP structure may reduce pressure on state finances, although improvements in logistics efficiency will depend on the pace of execution and how closely projects match the requirements of large industrial users.

The Karnataka Maritime Board is shifting towards a public-private partnership (PPP) model to modernise the state’s coastal infrastructure, with plans extending beyond port capacity expansion to logistics, specialised shipbuilding and digital connectivity. The strategy is intended to create an integrated maritime network and improve efficiency across the state’s coastal economy. Karnataka currently manages one major port, New Mangalore Port, and 13 minor ports. The state is seeking private investment to improve operations and reduce logistics costs for regional businesses. Anchored by New Mangalore Port, the maritime cluster provides Karnataka with access to the Arabian Sea and supports port-led development along the western coast. The development programme also includes river tourism and urban water transport initiatives along the Gurupura and Nethravati rivers. These projects are intended to create connected tourism routes and improve urban mobility by water, complementing port development with a broader approach to coastal and inland waterway infrastructure. The initiative is based on the Karnataka Maritime Development Policy, which has identified 13 locations for maritime infrastructure development. They are Karwar, Belekeri, Keni, Tadri, Pavinakurve, Honnavar, Manki, Bhatkal, Kundapur, Hangarkatta, Malpe, Padubidri and Old Mangalore Port. The policy replaces the Karnataka Minor Ports Development Policy of 2014 and covers maritime tourism, greenfield ports, fisheries, industrial development, logistics and near-shore wind farms for renewable energy. Implementation will be a key consideration for investors and industrial users. Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals (MRPL) has sought deeper port access to accommodate larger ships and reduce operating costs. The proposed PPP structure may reduce pressure on state finances, although improvements in logistics efficiency will depend on the pace of execution and how closely projects match the requirements of large industrial users.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vedanta Secures Two Offshore Blocks in KG Basin Under DSF IV

Vedanta Oil and Gas has secured two offshore blocks in the Krishna Godavari (KG) Basin under the Government of India's Discovered Small Field (DSF) IV bidding round, strengthening its exploration and production portfolio along India's east coast.The newly awarded assets include the shallow water block KG/OSDSF/G1/2025 and the deepwater block KG/DWDSF/GD10/2025. The acquisition forms part of Vedanta's strategy to expand its offshore operations and explore India's untapped hydrocarbon resources through advanced technologies and efficient project execution.The blocks were awarded at a contract si..

Next Story
Resources

Hindustan Zinc's Sakhi Enterprise Income Grows 43%

Hindustan Zinc's Sakhi Microenterprise initiative has recorded a 43 per cent year-on-year increase in collective income, rising from Rs 2.3 million in FY26 to Rs 3.28 million, according to the company. The initiative, operated through Sakhi Utpadan Samiti, currently engages 426 women in income-generating activities across multiple production units.The programme aims to promote financial independence by helping rural women develop entrepreneurial skills and establish sustainable livelihoods. One of its beneficiaries, Manju Devi, who previously depended on seasonal agricultural work, now operate..

Next Story
Technology

KP Group Launches Waterless Solar Cleaning Robot at REI Expo

KP Group's KPI Green OMS has launched the SR 2000 V3.0, a waterless robotic solar panel cleaning system designed for single-axis tracker and fixed-tilt solar power plants, at the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo 2026 in Greater Noida. The robot aims to improve solar plant efficiency while reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements.Designed to address dust accumulation on solar modules, particularly in dry and remote locations, the SR 2000 V3.0 uses a UV-resistant polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) brush operating at 130 rpm. According to the company, the system achieves a cleaning ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code