DEVELOPMENT OF SEA PORT AT TADADI,

Karnataka, - A Profile

Karnataka, a State in the south of India, has been a pioneer state in industry with a distinction of a strong and vibrant industrial base. Karnataka is targeting an industrial growth rate of 12% per annum, with an increased emphasis on the expansion and growth of infrastructure sectors through private sector participation. Since ports are the trade gateways for a state, their ability to meet the increasing demands of a rapidly growing economy is crucial for addressing the rising import and export traffic.

Currently there is one major port and two non-major ports that are operational in Karnataka. The major port at , namely, Trust, currently caters to the cargo requirements of the southern districts of the state.

Need for a Port on the West Coast Tadadi The northern districts of the state, especially the –Hospet region produce large quantities of iron ore. The export potential of iron ore from this region is estimated at 30 million tones in 2010.

Part of this iron ore is exported through the two non-major ports namely and Belekeri. However, bigger vessels cannot operate at these ports as the draft available is less. Further the capacity at these ports is also not adequate to cater to the iron ore export demand of this region.

Thus, a port developed in the northern coastline of the state would cater to the districts of especially the iron-ore belt in Bellary - Hospet, thereby significantly improving the industrial advantage of the region.

The Project

The Government of Karnataka (GoK) through the Karnataka State Industrial Investment & Development Corporation (KSIIDC) intends to develop a port at Tadadi in Uttar district of Karnataka with private sector participation. Tadadi is located at latitude 140 ° 13.50’ N and longitude of 740° 21.50’ E. The backwaters of the river have a huge waterfront area, which makes the location a natural harbor for a port.

The port is intended to be developed to handle an estimated capacity of 34.06 million tones per annum at an estimated cost of Rs. 3000 Crore.