New Mangalore Port welcomes maiden arrival of container rakes

[email protected] (CD Network, Photos by Ahmed Anwar )

December 19, 2011

Mangalore, December 19: The New Mangalore Port received the maiden rake with 70 containers run by Container Corporation of India(CONCOR) on Saturday.

This is the first time a rake with containers ply between Bangalore to Mangalore. The rake was received by Dr. P. Tamilvanan, Chairman and Senior officers from NMPT in the presence of Raveen Kumar Reddy, Chief General Manager, CONCOR, Chennai Division and other senior officials from CONCOR & Railways.

Out of the 70 containers, 40 are from M/s NYK logistics and remaining 30 by CONCOR. The entire consignment was discharged within 1 hr 20 min.

Commencement of rake loaded with containers between Bangalore to Mangalore is a boon to the exporters and importers from the hinterland of Karnataka which will ease the congestion and pressure on the roads, especially in the ghat section. This much awaited dream of the trade became a reality when a final announcement was made by CONCOR in the course of the Trade Meet held at Bangalore on December 9.

Now the exporters and importers can make use of this facility which will enable the smooth movement of containers to and from the Port.

The container traffic at the Port has witnessed a steep growth over the last few years. From 9646 TEUs handled during 2005-06, the container traffic has tremendously grown to 40,158 TEUs in 2010-11 with a growth rate of 316%.

The current year 2011-12 also shows positive growth by handling 32,159 TEUS (Upto Nov.2011) as against 26,640 TEUs handled during the corresponding period of last year registering a growth rate of 21%. The growth is mainly due to the increased handling of coffee, raw cashew, wax candles, reefer cargo, etc. Now the frequency of the container vessels calling at the Port has increased to one vessel in every week, which will help the trade to move their cargo faster to the respective destinations at less ocean freight charges. Arrival of Main Line vessels from West Africa has benefited the trade. The advantage of Main Line vessel directly calling at the Port is the lesser transit time and lesser handling cost.

With the commencement of container movement through rakes, the container traffic is expected to grow further during the coming months.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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