Karnataka government and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep entered into a pact today for the construction of a dedicated berth for vessels from Lakshadweep at the old port at Bunder here.
Officials from both administrations signed the MoU in the presence of Karnataka Ports Minister Baburao Chinchanasur.
Talking to reporters, Chinchanasur said the state government would extend all support for the project. The entire project, estimated to cost about Rs 60 crore, on an area of about 8,000 sq feet, would be jointly executed by the two administrations. Efforts would be made to finish the work at the earliest.
The Minister inspected the old port after the signing of the MoU.
As per the MoU, the cost of the new jetty that includes a 300 metre-long wharf for cargo and passenger vessels, dredging of the channel upto 7 metre draft, waiting lounge and godown would be borne by the Lakshadweep administration.
J R Lobo, MLA, said the MoU was a major step towards the trade relationship between Mangaluru and Lakshadweep which had declined due to lack of infrastructure. This would also help boost the economy of Lakshadweep.
The work is expected to begin as soon as the required clearances from the Centre were obtained, he said.
Nalin Kumar Kateel MP (Dakshina Kannada), Lakshadweep MP P P Mohammed Faisal, and Lakshadweep administrator Rajesh Prasad were among those present.
