New Delhi: Karnataka will be getting a much needed boost with the Centre promising a release of Rs 200 crore for the development of ports.

Karnataka Port and Inland Water Development Minister Baburao Chinchansur told mediapersons that he met Union Minister for Road Transport and Shipping Nitin Gadkari who promised to release the funds to the state under Central scheme for development of ports and inland waterways.

Chinchansur said that the funds will be used to develop ports including Karwar, Malpe, Kundapur and Honnavar.

“Gadkari has agreed to sanction Rs 60 crore for the development of Old Mangalore port which involves construction of a dedicated berth for Union Territory of Lakshadweep (UTL) vessels at port,” he said.

The State government and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep had already signed an MoU for setting up of dedicated berth for UTL vessels at Old Mangalore port. Essential commodities will be delivered to the island utilizing the berth.