"Mangaluru–Maravanthe ferry service proposed; ₹180-crore water metro to boost coastal connectivity."

The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has proposed a dedicated coastal passenger ferry service connecting Mangaluru with Maravanthe in Udupi district, in a move aimed at boosting coastal connectivity and easing pressure on road transport.

The proposed ferry corridor will span about 110 km between Mangaluru and Maravanthe in Kundapur taluk and is envisioned as an alternative to the heavily congested National Highway-66. According to officials, the service is planned with five intermediate stops at Old Mangaluru Port, Hejmady, Malpe, Kota and Maravanthe.

The project is estimated to cost ₹37.8 crore and will be implemented under a public–private partnership (PPP) model, with a 20-year concession period for the selected operator. Purpose-built jetties are proposed at all five locations, including Maravanthe, one of Karnataka’s most popular beach destinations.

Details of the ferry proposal, along with other maritime tourism initiatives, were presented by KMB officials at the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave organised by the state tourism department.

In addition, the KMB unveiled plans for a Water Metro project in and around Mangaluru city, with an estimated investment of ₹180 crore. The proposed water metro network will cover key waterways within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits, connecting Malavoor Bridge near Mangaluru International Airport to Jeppinamogaru Bridge through the Gurupur and Netravati rivers and the Old Mangaluru Port.

The Water Metro project is aimed at creating a seamless, multimodal urban transport system by integrating ferry services with city buses and other public transport modes. KMB officials said the presence of the Gurupur and Netravati rivers provides strong potential for a PPP-based water metro, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for urban mobility while reducing congestion on city roads.