Proposal made to set up Central Maritime University in Mangaluru: Capt. Chowta

A proposal has been made to the Central government to set up Central Martime University in the name of warrior Rani Abbakka in Mangaluru, said Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta in Mangaluru on Friday.

Speaking at the workshop on ‘Maritime Adversities’ organised by New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), Capt. Chowta said Central Maritime University was needed in the region known for its educational culture. Moreover, New Mangalore Port was celebrating Golden Jubilee of its formation. It will be ideal to have the university in Mangaluru now. This university will help in study of oceanography. The MP said he has already submitted project report to Union Minister of Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal.

Talking about the private ship repair unit operating in Chennai, the MP said he is pursuing with authorities for setting up a repair unit in Mangaluru. A ship repair unit will provide good employment.

Port development

Taking instance of port related development done by Narendra Modi, as Chief Minister, that transformed Gujarat, Capt. Chowta said he was also committed to pursuing development of New Mangalore Port

Improving connectivity between Mangaluru and Bengaluru was his priority. Connectivity between Hubballi and Ankola too also should be established. “These two networks will not only boost development of Mangalore Port but help in overall development of Karnataka,” he said. He called upon NMPA and other stakeholders to strategically approach towards fulfilment of tasks that help in development of the coastal region.

Assuring support of NMPA in development works, NMPA Chairman A.V. Ramana said the port’s profit after deduction of tax has rose from ₹101 crore, five years ago, to ₹445 crore for the year 2024-25 financial year. There was drastic improvement in all parameters of the port, including operational ratio, in 2024-25 The port has set a target of reaching handling capacity of 100 million metric tonnes by 2030.

While stating that New Mangalore Port, along with Coast Guards and Indian Navy, was responding to distress calls of vessels at sea, Mr. Ramana called such responses should not be at the cost of berthing ‘rouge vessels’ by risking lives of Karvali residents and harm to coastal ecology, Mr. Ramana said.