Chairman of the New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), Sushil Kumar Singh, has assured that the Port Authority will consider implementing a permanent public utility project in Kodagu district under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The assurance was given during a meeting with a delegation from the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce, led by District President B.R. Nagendra Prasad, at a hotel in Madikeri.
On behalf of the Chamber, Honorary Advisor G. Chidvilas submitted a memorandum outlining various demands. He pointed out that a substantial volume of coffee produced in Kodagu is exported through the New Mangalore Port, contributing significantly to the port’s commercial activity and the regional economy.
In view of Kodagu’s contribution to the port’s growth, he urged the Port Authority to implement a permanent public utility project in the district by utilising funds under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. Responding positively to the proposal, Sushil Kumar Singh assured the delegation that the matter would be considered.
The Chamber also highlighted the need to expedite the proposed Mysuru-Kushalnagar railway line, for which a survey has already been completed. The delegation requested the NMPA Chairman to impress upon the concerned authorities to ensure the early implementation of the project.
Chidvilas further pointed out that while India produces substantial quantities of coffee, domestic consumption remains relatively low. He urged the Government to take steps to increase coffee consumption within the country by coordinating with the relevant agencies.
The delegation also appealed for the construction of an all-weather road between Madikeri and Sampaje, stating that traffic on the existing ghat road is disrupted for nearly three months every year during the monsoon due to heavy rainfall and landslides. They requested the Chairman to take up the matter with the concerned Minister and other authorities.
Speaking on the occasion, K.K. Vishwanath, spokesperson of the Coorg Planters’ Association, said that New Mangalore Port, located about 190 kilometres from Kushalnagar, handles nearly 100 coffee containers every day, amounting to around 15,000 containers annually.
He pointed out that movement of heavy vehicles on the Madikeri-Mangaluru Ghat Road is frequently restricted during the monsoon. In addition, major ghat roads such as Shiradi Ghat and Agumbe Ghat are often closed due to adverse weather conditions, forcing transporters to use the longer Shivamogga-Thirthahalli route, thereby increasing transportation costs.
To address this issue, Vishwanath proposed a railway link between Kudige and Belur, stating that such a connection would enable coffee containers to be transported to Mangaluru through the existing railway network, significantly reducing transportation costs and improving logistics.
Responding to the suggestion, Sushil Kumar Singh assured the delegation that he would discuss the proposal with officials of the Union Ministry of Railways.
He further stated that he would also take up the proposal for an all-weather road connecting Madikeri with New Mangalore Port with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI.
The NMPA Chairman appreciated the contribution of Kodagu’s coffee growers, noting that the district supplies a substantial quantity of coffee to the New Mangalore Port every year, thereby contributing significantly to the port’s business and economic activity.
District Chamber President B.R. Nagendra Prasad said Kodagu, being predominantly dependent on the coffee industry, requires development projects that are environmentally sustainable. Such initiatives, he said, would also generate employment opportunities for local youth.
Echoing the sentiment, G. Chidvilasemphasised that all developmental activities undertaken in Kodagu must ensure the protection of the district’s fragile ecology. He said the people of Kodagu share a deep emotional bond with the environment and would not support projects that damage the region’s natural heritage.
At the same time, he observed that numerous environmentally sustainable projects could be implemented without harming the ecosystem.
Chidvilas also suggested promoting Kodagu coffee among the Indian Armed Forces, stating that making the district’s coffee available to defence personnel across the country would help strengthen the Kodagu coffee brand while benefiting local coffee growers.
Members of the Chamber delegation included Madikeri Chamber General Secretary Monti Ganesh, Director M. Dhananjay, Rotary District Director Anil H.T., Kushalnagar Chamber Director M.D. Rangaswamy, P.S. Prashanth, S.N. Rajendra, and others. Siddesh, Transport Controller of the New Mangalore Port Authority, was also present.
