Centre sanctions Rs 50 crore for Karwar port development

The Centre on Tuesday sanctioned Rs 50 crore for infrastructure development at Karwar port under the Sagarmala project.

The money was sanctioned under the coastal berth scheme of the Sagarmala project. The coastal berth scheme aims to provide financial support to ports or state governments for creation of infrastructure for movement of cargo and passengers by sea or national waterways, said a statement from the Ministry of Shipping.

The money will be spent for the development of Karwar port, which includes extension of the existing southern breakwater by 145 metres and construction of a new north breakwater of 1,160 metres. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 215 crore and it is expected to be completed in three years. Once the works are completed, it will allow more tranquility for the berthing/unberthing of vessels and reduce the turnaround time of loading and unloading activities, said the statement.

At present, the port provides simultaneous berthing for  three ships of 6.5 metres draft, with 510 metres of jetty (with 250 metres of breakwater).