A commemorative postage stamp on the 50^th Anniversary of New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA), known as Gateway of Karnataka :

Issued by India

Issued on Oct 15, 2025

Issued for : India Post proudly commemorates the New Mangalore Port Authority’s remarkable 50-year journey with a special commemorative stamp. This philatelic tribute honours NMPA’s pivotal role in driving trade, logistics, and economic growth, while also highlighting its commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge technology. More than just a stamp, it stands as a symbol of India’s maritime strength, infrastructure progress, and global connectivity.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Ms. Nenu Gupta

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 303550

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About : 

• New Mangalore Port, also known as the Gateway of Karnataka, is the only Major Port of Karnataka. The Old Port (Bunder) in Mangalore, situated at the confluence of the Gurupura and Netravati rivers, faced limitations in accommodating the growing demands of sea trade. Consequently, the need for a new port arose. Post-independence under the visionary leadership of Late U. Srinivas Mallya, former MP of the region, the New Mangalore Port was conceived. The Mangalore Harbour Project was established in 1962, with construction beginning in 1968. The port was officially inaugurated on January 11, 1975.
• Over the years, the Port has grown from handling less than a lakh tonne of traffic in 1974-75 to more than 45.71 MMT handled during FY 2023-24. The major commodities handled through the Port include POL products, coffee, iron ore pellets, cement, coal, fertiliser, edible oil, liquid chemicals and containerised cargo. The Port provides all necessary facilities for handling the cargo of mega industries in the hinterland, such as MRPL, KIOCL, TOTAL GAS, MCF, HPCL, IOC, and UPCL.
• As part of Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, NMPA has envisaged development projects such as deepening of the channel to 18 metres, development of an LNG terminal, additional storage sheds, and an outer harbour. New Mangalore Port Authority currently has an installed capacity of 105 MMT and is in the process of expanding it through projects such as the additional deep draft general cargo berth (Berth No. 17) and the refurbishment of Berth No. 9.
• NMPA is an ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 & ISPS-compliant, 100% solar-powered, clean, green, lean port run entirely on solar energy. It is also the recipient of the Greentech Environment Award in the gold category in the Port sector for seven consecutive years.
• NMPA has been at the forefront of adopting the latest port operation technologies, including RFID-based entry/exit, e-documentation, e-kart ticketing systems, robotic firefighting systems, and automated weighbridges. These initiatives have contributed to operational efficiencies such as the lowest Turnaround Time (TRT) for break bulk vessels and container vessel TRT, surpassing the World Bank benchmark.
• In 2024-25, NMPA was adjudged the second-best container handling port in the <0.5 M TEU category by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a testament to its operational excellence. The Port is also a popular destination for cruise tourists.
• NMPA reaffirms its commitment to fostering global trade, enhancing logistics efficiency, and driving economic growth for the region and the nation. Strategically positioned with world-class infrastructure and progressive policies, NMPA continues to expand its capabilities in container, bulk, and liquid cargo handling, ensuring seamless logistics and global connectivity.
• NMPA celebrates 50 years of service to the nation in 2025. Various projects and programmes are being planned to mark this occasion, including the inauguration of a multi-speciality hospital on a PPP mode, new gates, four-lane roads, and the release of a commemorative stamp, commemorative coin, coffee table book, and exhibition.
• Text : Based on information received from the proponent.

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