Udupi:  State Minister for Ports and Mujrai Kota Srinivas Poojari visited Malpe port on September 4, Tuesday and inspected the works underway at the port. The minister also visited Kodi Kanyana, Kodi Bengre, Hangarakatte and Kodi ports too.

Speaking to reporters later, he said the third phase project of Malpe port built at the cost of Rs 37.15 crores will be completed by 2014. He also informed that nearly Rs 5.5 crores is released for dredging works. Once the third phase works are over, the port will be capable of anchoring nearly 1,500 mechanized boats, he said.

On this occasion, the minister said nearly Rs 57.6 crores has been earmarked for the third phase construction works of Mangalore port which would enable the port to anchor as much as 1,200 boats.

The minister said the jetty construction works at Hejamadi Kodi is taken up at the cost of Rs 60 crores, of which state governments share is Rs 29 crores. He said Rs 1.97 crores is being spent for dredging works at Hejamadi Kodi.  All the works taken up in the harbours across the coastal districts will be completed by 2014-15, he added.