The proposed Mangaluru Water Metro has secured formal approval from the Karnataka government, setting the stage for what could become India’s second-largest inland water transit network.
The riverine transportation project, designed to connect Bajal and Maravoor across the Netravati and Gurupura rivers, was given the go-ahead during a high-level review meeting focused on bolstering the State’s maritime infrastructure and alternative transport corridors. The nod marks a major policy shift in Karnataka’s urban planning, favouring low-emission, water-based transit over conventional road transport in key coastal areas. Planned under the broader vision of the Central Government’s Sagarmala initiative, the water metro is being developed with a clear emphasis on decarbonising urban transport systems and enhancing last-mile connectivity without straining existing road infrastructure.
The project will be implemented by the Karnataka Maritime Board, which has been tasked with preparing a detailed project report at the earliest. Once operational, the Mangaluru Water Metro is expected to significantly ease congestion on arterial routes and promote inclusive access across both riverbanks, especially in underserved and emerging residential pockets. It is poised to become a transformational link in the region’s urban transit ecosystem, offering a clean, equitable and efficient commuting alternative. Complementing the metro project, the State has also approved the establishment of a dedicated water transport training centre in Mangaluru to strengthen institutional capabilities and workforce readiness in the sector. This move not only bolsters the project’s long-term operational feasibility but also opens up avenues for employment and skill development aligned with India’s blue economy goals.
In tandem, the Chief Minister directed officials to examine land allocation norms around ports and initiate immediate action against encroachments, while calling for a comparative study of port infrastructure in neighbouring maritime states such as Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat to inform future interventions. The significance of this development lies not just in its engineering or economic dimensions but in its symbolic value as Karnataka’s step towards climate-conscious planning.
Inland water transport is widely recognised for its minimal carbon footprint, and by integrating it into Mangaluru’s urban fabric, the State underscores its commitment to green mobility and equitable urban development. The success of the Kochi Water Metro has already set a precedent, and Mangaluru’s version could play a vital role in expanding that momentum. As cities across India grapple with rising emissions, traffic bottlenecks, and unsustainable expansion, Mangaluru’s water metro could offer a replicable model of how natural geographies can be optimised to deliver smart, sustainable, and citizen-friendly solutions.
Also Read :https://urbanacres.in/kochi-metro-expertise-to-power-goa-water-taxi-push/
Mangaluru Water Metro Project Gets Approval to Transform River Transit and Urban Mobility
