Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 7: Minister for port and inland transport H C Mahadevappa on Tuesday March 7 visited the old port, Bunder here to inspect the various development works under the Asian Development Bank (ADB) project.

Addressing media Mahadevappa said, "We have formed a commitee to review and inspect the various development works. We have discussed with the officials concerned regarding the development of port and inland transport. When UPA government was in power during the year 2011, nearly Rs 911 crore was sanctioned in two phases, with the state government funding 15% of and ADB the rest 85%.

"Even though the funds were sanctioned in the year 2011, we took three years to conduct survey work and prepare detailed project report (DPR). In the year 2014, we started the first phase of work which is expected to complete this year, and the second phase will be completed in the year 2020," he added.

He further said, "The main objective behind upgrading the port is to support the fisherman and at the same time we need to focus on promoting tourism and generate employment. We need to give exposure to our economic activities. Our revenue will increase when ships from other states and countries will anchor at our port. For the last 10 years, the state government has reserved very less amount for the development of port. This time around, we have submitted a proposal to the state government to sanction Rs 600 crores for the development of the port."

MLA J R Lobo, minister for food and civil supplies U T Khader and others were present.