Mangaluru gears up for its first Water Metro system, with 19 proposed stations across the Phalguni and Netravati rivers.
Aimed at decongesting roads and enhancing eco-friendly mobility, the project has received approval from the Karnataka State Inland Water Transport Authority. Tenders for the Detailed Project Report are expected to be floated shortly, and the system could be operational within two years, officials confirmed. With increasing congestion on city roads and mounting emissions from conventional transport, Mangaluru’s Water Metro project is being hailed as a potential game-changer in urban mobility. Modeled on the successful Water Metro in Kochi, this initiative will not only offer residents an efficient alternative to road transport but also drive sustainable development and promote waterway connectivity in the coastal city.
The water-based public transport system will cover a semi-circular route from Maravoor Bridge to Kotekar, connecting neighbourhoods and tourist hotspots along its path. Among the 19 proposed stops are key locations such as Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi Beach, Ullal Bridge, and Kadri Park, allowing both locals and visitors easy access to cultural, religious, and leisure destinations. The project is seen as a significant boost for tourism in Dakshina Kannada district, tapping into the region’s scenic riverfronts and historical waterfronts. The Department of Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport is also exploring private sector participation to operate the ferry services post-construction. This move aligns with the state’s strategy to blend public oversight with operational efficiency, a model that could unlock long-term economic and environmental benefits.
However, public response to the announcement has been mixed. While the project’s potential is widely acknowledged, residents have raised concerns about the route’s feasibility near tidal zones like Alive Bagilu, where strong currents and fluctuating tides could affect service consistency and commuter safety. In contrast to Kochi’s placid backwaters, Mangaluru’s dynamic river mouth may require more robust infrastructure planning and vessel design. Urban mobility experts stress the importance of a rigorous feasibility study to address hydrodynamic challenges and ensure the safety, reliability, and scalability of the Water Metro. Given that inland water transport remains underutilised across India’s coastal and riverine cities, successful implementation in Mangaluru could set a precedent for similar models in other urban centres grappling with mobility and pollution issues.
The Water Metro is more than a tourism initiative; it is a step towards zero-emission transport and inclusive city planning. As Indian cities adapt to climate imperatives and infrastructure constraints, integrating blue-green mobility corridors such as this could become vital in building sustainable, low-carbon futures. While the final design and timeline depend on the upcoming DPR and environmental assessments, the Mangaluru Water Metro represents a promising shift in India’s urban transport paradigm from car-clogged roads to clean, efficient, and inclusive waterways.
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