Security surveillance tower at NMPA inaugurated

MANGALURU: T. K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), inaugurated a newly constructed Security Surveillance Tower on Friday. This tower is built to monitor port activities 24/7, thereby strengthening the port’s ISPS-compliant perimeter security and emergency response capabilities.On arrival at the port’s administrative building, the Secretary was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He was warmly received by A. V. Ramana, Chairman, NMPA, along with S. Shanthi, Deputy Chairperson, NMPA, and officers of the port. He laid the foundation stone for the extension of the truck parking terminal near the Customs House, a crucial step towards enhancing logistics efficiency and cargo handling turnaround.The Secretary’s engagements commenced with a meeting at the NMPA board room, attended by the senior officers of the port. The Chairman briefed on the port’s key infrastructure, facilities, various projects, certifications, port’s achievements, and operational strengths. A detailed presentation was made on the port's operational review, followed by a comprehensive overview of NMPA’s key infrastructure projects and futuristic plans, including green port initiatives, port-led industrialisation, logistics park development, mechanisation of cargo handling, and cruise tourism infrastructure.

All these efforts are strategically aligned with India’s Maritime Amritkaal Vision, aiming to transform Indian ports into world-class trade gateways.Addressing the gathering, he acknowledged the port’s recent accomplishments and encouraging the workforce to continue their contribution towards the maritime sector’s growth. He appreciated NMPA's efforts in the adoption of state-of-the-art automation and digital technologies, including automated weighbridges, drone-based surveillance, automated firefighting, digital processing of port documents, and e-kart ticketing.

He visited the multi-specialty hospital being developed on a PPP basis, which is the first of its kind among the major ports in India.Ramachandran also visited the port’s international cruise lounge, where he reviewed the infrastructure and facilities extended to international cruise tourists. The modern amenities and passenger services were showcased as part of NMPA's commitment to promoting cruise tourism. Later, he embarked on a wharf familiarisation tour by tug boat, accompanied by senior officers of the port, gaining firsthand insights into the operational infrastructure and facilities. He also visited the Chowgule SBD Mangalore Shipyard at Thannirbhavi, where he reviewed the shipbuilding infrastructure and appreciated the role of the shipyard in supporting India’s growing maritime manufacturing capabilities.