Karnataka is significantly enhancing its maritime infrastructure with major port and shipbuilding projects in Uttara Kannada and Udupi, alongside a focus on blue economy development through initiatives like a Special Marine Zone and a proposed maritime university.

Karnataka is significantly enhancing its maritime infrastructure with major port and shipbuilding projects in Uttara Kannada and Udupi, alongside a focus on blue economy development through initiatives like a Special Marine Zone and a proposed maritime university.

Karnataka is significantly enhancing its maritime infrastructure with major port and shipbuilding projects in Uttara Kannada and Udupi, alongside a focus on blue economy development through initiatives like a Special Marine Zone and a proposed maritime university.

Karnataka government seems to be looking more to the west, with a slew of maritime infrastructure and development projects in the state's coastal region. These include a ₹6,925-crore multipurpose port and shipbuilding centre at Uttara Kannada and a ₹322-crore greenfield shipping yard at Udupi.

"Approval has been given for development of a 15 MTPA-capacity multipurpose port and shipbuilding centre at Manki Port in Uttara Kannada district under the PPP model on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis," the official statement read.

The state government also stated that the development is expected to generate a "guaranteed revenue" of ₹2,902.69 crore and an "economic stimulus" of ₹28,000 crore to Karnataka.

"It is expected to generate 44,800 direct and indirect employment opportunities," stated the government.

In Udupi district, the development of a greenfield shipbuilding yard at Gangolli will be under the PPP model on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) basis.

At the heels of Friday's cabinet approvals, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday early morning visited the Mangaluru fishing harbour, along with state Health Minister and district-in-charge U.T. Khader, local leaders and representatives of the Dakshina Kannada Trawl Boat Fishermen's Association.

The CM reportedly inspected the day's catch and interacted with members of the fishing community, along with receiving updates on the harbour there.

Push for blue economy

Karnataka is also musing about setting up a maritime university to focus on blue economy and fishing disciplines.

The Shivakumar cabinet is also looking at demands for dredging the Alve Bagilu or the estuary mouth and sorting out boat parking constraints at the harbour.

Among other decisions taken by the cabinet on Friday were declaring the coast of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada as a Special Marine Zone, and proposing a 150-acre Special Processing Zone for a fisheries park at Ballunje.

Among policies, the state cabinet approved the Karnataka Inland Vessels (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeals) Rules, 2026. Under this, the Director of Ports is set to be the top authority for the Karnataka Water Transport Board.

These moves hint at a renewed focus on Karnataka's vast coastline and maritime infrastructure as well as bringing the fisherfolk to the table for future initiatives.

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