The Hindu Business Line : Transport network tops Mangalore port panel meet

The Hinterland Development Committee of New Mangalore Port, which met here on Wednesday, discussed ways to increase the cargo handling at the port and to develop allied infrastructure required for this growth.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr P.B. Mahishi, Chief Secretary, Karnataka Government, said that the meeting discussed ways of increasing container cargo service, and road and rail connectivity to New Mangalore Port.

Issues related to diversion of export commodities to other ports, and the measures to be taken to retain them were discussed.

Mr Mahishi said that an Inland Container Depot (ICD) will come up at Hassan in Karnataka to cater to the needs of container cargo in the region. The container cargo is witnessing a growth at the port.

“We have discussed with coffee growers, and asked them to divert the cargo to NMP than to other States,” he said, adding that an ICD at Hassan will help improve infrastructure for smooth container cargo movement. Work on the construction of ICD is likely to begin from next month.

On the improvement of other infrastructure such as road and railway connectivity to the port, Mr Mahishi said the issue of efficient utilisation of Hassan-Mangalore railway line for the freight movement was discussed at the meeting.

On the improvement of road infrastructure, he said tender has been awarded for the work on repair of Shirady ghat section on NH 48. The repair work is likely to be completed by March-end.

Stating that the damage of roads has not affected the business of New Mangalore Port, he said cargo is being transported through other alternative roads and through the Hassan-Mangalore railway line.