Mangaluru: Karnataka Government Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, has been selected to host a Rs 75 crore Centre of Excellence in Logistics and Supply Chain, a major initiative aimed at strengthening industry-linked technical education and preparing a skilled workforce for emerging economic demands.The project is being funded by the Asian Development Bank and is expected to boost technical education infrastructure, expand skill development opportunities and build capabilities aligned with changing industry requirements. The selection also highlights Karnataka’s effort to develop future-ready talent beyond Bengaluru, by investing in institutions in other regions of the state.KPT Mangaluru is the only polytechnic in Karnataka to be chosen under the project. Ravindra Mahabaleshwar Keni, a senior official at KPT Mangaluru and coordinator of the project, said the institution was considered because there are no other government engineering colleges in the coastal region. The process began in Oct last year, when a team visited the campus and identified the site. A second visit took place a few months ago. Unlike some other institutions selected for similar Centres of Excellence, KPT does not have an existing building for the facility. The college has now earmarked around two acres of land, within its campus, for the project.Explaining the focus on logistics and supply chain, Keni said the coastal region is home to major industries and infrastructure that depend heavily on transportation and movement of goods. He pointed to the presence of New Mangalore Port Authority, MRPL and other industries, along with strong connectivity through air, sea, road and rail networks.The proposed facility is expected to design and offer courses in the sector, support industry-oriented training and strengthen skill development for students and professionals. The Centre of Excellence will also be accessible to colleges in nearby areas. Officials said the broader objective of such centres is to strengthen Karnataka’s technology ecosystem through collaboration across industry, research and development, academia, government and startups.Sources said the funding will be released in phases. Revenue generated from the facility established at KPT Mangaluru is expected to be used to repay the Asian Development Bank investment over time.
