A significant step in this direction has been taken with the announcement of plans for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP) by the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB).
According to them, this ambitious project intends to revolutionize public transportation in the state by connecting communities along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers via National Waterways.
The project promises an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient form of transportation and is expected to become India’s second-largest water transport system after Kochi, according to officials.
According to officials, the MWMP will connect isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor, enhancing accessibility and promoting the holistic development of these regions. The initiative is expected to boost local livelihoods and improve the standard of living through integrated transport networks.
According to the project report, the MWMP will be rolled out in phases, with the initial stretch covering 30 kilometers along the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters. The priority route, beginning at Bajal on the Nethravathi and extending to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, will feature around 17 modern Metro stations.
Key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal and the New Mangalore Port are included in the proposed route. State-of-the-art electric and diesel catamaran boats will be deployed, equipped with essential amenities to ensure a high standard of comfort and operational efficiency. A comprehensive Feasibility Report (FR) will assess the project’s viability, presenting a detailed cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies and environmental considerations.
