Phase III Malpe port project to be ready by 2014, says Kota

The Minister for Port, Inland Water Transport and Muzrai Kota Srinivas Poojary said the third phase project of Malpe port built at the cost of Rs 37.15 crores will be completed by 2014.

Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of his visit to Malpe to assess the progress in the construction of the third phase Maple port, the minister said that the works aiding the 3rd phase construction of jetty is under progress.

When compared to Mangalore and other Uttara Kannada district ports, the construction work is rapidly progressing in Udupi. Around Rs 5.5 crores is released for dredging works. After the completion of the third phase construction at Malpe, the port will offer space for anchoring as many as 1,400 to 1,500 mechanised boats. 

He said around Rs 57.6 crores have been allotted for the third phase construction works of Mangalore port. Following the completion of the third phase works, Mangalore port can house nearly 1,200 boats, he added.

The minister said the jetty construction works at Hejamadi Kodi is taken up at the cost of Rs 60 crores, of which state governments share is Rs 29 crores.

The Central has been approached for the remaining amount of money as the renovation of ports are taken up supported by joint funding of central and state government in the ratio 75:25 respectively.

About Rs 1.97 crores have been invested for dredging works at Hejamadi Kodi. However, there is a need for Rs 3.40 crores to complete the entire dredging process, he said.

He said he had visited the harbours in Mangalore and Udupi districts to inspect the progress in jetty construction and dredging works. He added he is also looking into local problems in the harbours.

He will try to find solutions by discussing the problems with the officials concerned. All the works taken up in the harbours across the coastal districts will be completed by 2014-15, he added. The minister paid visits to Kodi Kanyana, Kodi Bengre, Hangarukatte and Kodi as well.