The Hindu Business Line : Truck terminal a necessity for Mangalore

A major port, a few mega industries, several medium and small-scale industries, agricultural and horticultural sectors are the main contributors for goods traffic in the region. Iron ore traffic, which is a recent phenomenon, has also added its share to it.

Nearly 9,000 trucks have been registered at the Regional Transport Authority in Mangalore. Apart from them, nearly 1,000 trucks visit the city everyday.

The Committee on Truck Terminal — set up by the district administration to look into the matter — suggested in its report in July 2003 that one major truck terminal in north of Mangalore and minor truck terminals at Thokkottu and Adyar be set up in Mangalore. Mr Giridhar Prabhu of the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Mr Giridhar, Regional Transport Officer, were its members.

Most people in the industry favour the terminal at north Mangalore as a majority of the industries are located in this area. New Mangalore Port, which is the major hub of truck operations, is also located in this area.

Though there was a proposal by Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) to set up a truck terminal on a 35-acre land at Kulai village in north Mangalore, it is waiting for the government approval.

The announcement of the elections has delayed any initiative in this regard. According to the MUDA Chairman, Mr Abdul Khader, the proposed project can help reduce congestion in the vicinity of New Mangalore Port area.

With the demand for iron ore fines in the international market more trucks are visiting New Mangalore Port everyday. Considering this, the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has made arrangements for parking trucks on its land at Baikampady. Around 600 to 800 trucks can be parked in this lot. At present, nearly 500 trucks bring iron ore fines everyday from the hinterland to the New Mangalore Port.

Though major truck operations are centred in north Mangalore, Thokkottu in the southern part and Adyar in east Mangalore contribute a considerable amount of truck traffic to the region. Thokkottu is the vital link between Karnataka and Kerala. Numerous trucks from Kerala pass through Thokkottu on their journey towards northern India. Trucks from Bangalore and the hinterland areas of NMPT have to pass through Adyar. Mini truck terminals here can help facilitate smooth transhipment of the cargo.

The Committee on Truck Terminal had stated that the Government should go in for private participation for the minor truck terminals at Thokkotu and Adyar.

Apart from this, the committee had favoured the establishment of mini truck terminals at Mani on NH 48 — 40 km away from Mangalore — and Kallianpur in Udupi district.

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Truck terminal a necessity for Mangalore