Mangalore : Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan has called upon the New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) management to chalk out plans to make up for the shortfall in the Iron ore traffic during the current year.

The Minister who visited the port yesterday, also reviewed the overall performance and the developmental projects of the Port.

The issue of restriction of of movement of iron ore fines to New Mangalore Port was highlighted during the discussion. The Minister asked the port officials to take up the matter with the state government to ensure revocation of restrictions imposed so that the iron ore traffic flow to the port will not be drastically affected.

During the wharf inspection by the Minister, NMPT Chairman P Tamilvanan explained the various activities, including construction of Coal Berth, construction of Mechanized iron ore handling plant, the proposed site of Container terminal and POL jetty.

Members from many institutions such as Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Steamer Agents Association, Stevedores Association, Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association, major Port users like MRPL, KIOCL, Oil Companies and Unions of the Port such as HMS, INTUC, AITUC, SC/ST Welfare Association, Officers Association joined the Minister during his inspection of the port.