Mangaluru Water Metro Project Gets CM Nod.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has officially approved the ambitious Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), setting the stage for a significant transformation of riverine transport in the coastal city. The green light was given during a water transport board meeting held in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

Announced in the state budget earlier this year, the MWMP draws inspiration from the successful Kochi Water Metro and aims to navigate the Gurupura and Netravathi rivers. According to a senior officer at the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB), the project's primary objectives are to "enhance tourism and recreation activities and decongest the city."  

The envisioned network will span a 30-kilometer stretch, strategically connecting various points from Bajal to the Maravoor Bridge. The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) will take the lead in conducting the necessary preliminary studies for the project's implementation.  

The proposed route is designed to connect 17 key locations across Mangaluru, including the Kulur bridge, Bangrakulur, New Mangaluru Port, Sultan Battery, Tannir Bhavi, Old Port, Bengre, Hoige Bazaar, Ullal, Bolar sea face, and the Someshwar temple.

Envisioned as an environmentally conscious, economical, and efficient mode of public transportation, the Mangaluru Water Metro will deploy a fleet of modern catamarans. These vessels are planned to be either electric or diesel-powered, aligning with the project's eco-friendly ethos.  

The implementation of the MWMP is expected to not only ease traffic congestion within Mangaluru but also unlock the tourism potential of its riverine landscape, offering a novel and scenic mode of transport for both residents and visitors.

ET