Mangaluru Water Metro: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Announces Project On Gurupura, Netravati Rivers

After Kochi, Karnataka is also considering introducing water metro service in the coastal city of Mangaluru. During Karnataka Interim budget 2024 announcement, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revealed plans to introduce a Water Metro service on the Gurupura and Netravati rivers in Mangalore.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Water Transport Board recently held a meeting where it was unanimously decided to implement the Water Metro project in Mangaluru, following the successful model of Kochi in Kerala. Officials were promptly instructed to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) as soon as possible.

The initial phase of the project will focus on water metro services from Bengre to Mangaluru and Ullal to Mangaluru.

The final decision on whether to execute the project through Public Private Partnership (PPP) or any other viable method will be based on the Feasibility Report, which will be assessed by the Water Transport Board.

The Mangaluru corridor aims to provide rapid access to the port, substantially cutting down freight transport times to Europe and the Middle East. Despite this, the Chief Minister has not allocated any funds for the project in the budget.

Furthermore, an agreement has been reached with the Centre of Excellence for Maritime Studies (CMES) to establish a water transport training center in the city, promoting awareness of environmentally friendly water transport practices. The center is scheduled to commence operations within the next three months.

As part of the Gurpura water transport development, jetties will be constructed at Hoige Bazaar and Kulur Bridge.