KARWAR: The steps are being taken to prepare the second phase expansion of the Karwar commercial port and soil testing in the sea for this purpose is being carried out. Karwar is one of the few natural all-weather ports in the world. The development of the port had come to a standstill after the commissioning of the INS Kadamba naval base adjacent to the port.

The second phase of development will be carried out at a cost of Rs 125 crore. The port department has already reserved Rs 43 crore for the expansion work, informed the port officials. New jetties will be built in the second phase and port will be expanded by another 1.5km length. A Mumbai-based company has taken up the work of draining and de-silting work in the sea off Karwar beach. Testing of the soil beneath the sea water is also being carried out.

According to Rajakumar Hede, assistant executive engineer of port department in Karwar, a master plan has already been prepared for the expansion of the Karwar port. After the completion of the second phase the Karwar port will be one of the important ports in the country and will fetch handsome revenue to the government, he added.