Tue Dec 16 07:50:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, followed by the summary:

Summary:

A coastal berth project at Hangarkatta Port in Udupi district, Karnataka, is nearing commencement, pending final central government approval. The ₹78.28 crore project, part of the Sagarmala scheme, includes a 200-meter jetty and a 15-km waterway along the Swarna river. Once completed, it will facilitate the handling of vessels up to 1,000 tonnes DWT, benefiting coastal cargo and small international cargo vessels. The project completion is estimated to take one year. Other similar coastal berth projects are in various stages of development in Karwar, Gangolli, Old Mangaluru Port-Bengre, and Mangaluru Old Port.

News Article:

Hangarkatta Coastal Berth Project Awaits Green Light, Promises Boost to Karnataka’s Maritime Trade

MANGALURU, December 16, 2025 – A ₹78.28 crore coastal berth project at Hangarkatta Port, Udupi district, Karnataka, is poised to begin construction, pending final approval from the Central Government. The project, a key component of the Sagarmala scheme, aims to enhance coastal cargo movement and facilitate trade with small international cargo vessels.

According to officials from the Inland Water Transport Department, all necessary clearances, including coastal regulation zone and environmental approvals, are in place. Tendering has also been completed, with Philip D’Costa from Kundapura securing the construction contract for an estimated ₹48 crore. The project also includes a dredging contract and ancillary facilities.

The project involves construction of a 200-meter long jetty next to the existing fishing jetty at the mouth of the Swarna and Seetha rivers. Additionally, a 15-km Class III waterway along the Swarna River will be developed. Once operational, the berth will be able to accommodate vessels up to 1,000 tonnes DWT, significantly improving the efficiency of cargo transport to Udupi and surrounding areas.

Officials anticipate completion within a year, contingent on a January 2026 start date. Initial tasks include dredging and the construction of a diaphragm wall for the jetty, aiming to complete these phases before the monsoon season.

The project’s progress was highlighted by Union Minister for Shipping, Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in response to a question in the Lok Sabha by Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Kota Srinivas Poojary. The Minister also noted that similar coastal berth projects are underway in Karwar, Old Mangaluru Port-Bengre, and Mangaluru Old Port. Construction at Bengre-Mangaluru is at an advanced stage, while the Lakshadweep Jetty at Mangaluru Old Port awaits environmental clearance. The Gangolli project is currently on hold due to the presence of mangroves. The completion of these projects promises to bolster Karnataka’s maritime infrastructure and contribute to economic growth in the region.

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