Mangaluru: Hopes of this coastal city resuming trade ties with Lakshadweep is riding high on a high-level delegation that Mangaluru City South MLA J R Lobo is leading to the Island. At present, much of the island’s trade is supported by neighbouring Kerala and the problems with exclusive jetty at the old Mangaluru harbour has contributed to this.

With the department of ports making alternative arrangements, the delegation headed by Lobo is expected to woo the island to re-establish its relations with this city.

The MLA in a communique here stated that apart from wooing Lakshadweep authorities to restore trade ties, an appeal will be made to the island administration to construct a dedicated jetty at the harbour for the island trade at a cost of Rs 70 crore. The jetty on completion will be an exclusive facility for traders here to transport goods and commodities to that island and an appeal will be made to the island authorities concerned to expedite the jetty construction project here.

“The MP from Lakshadweep too has evinced interest in the project during my talks with him,” Lobo said
Lobo, who reached Lakshadweep on Monday told that the meeting with the local authorities is scheduled on Tuesday. “I am hopeful of a positive outcome,” he added.