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Mangaluru is set to take a major leap towards sustainable urban mobility with the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) announcing the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP) on Monday. This ambitious initiative aims to transform public transport in the region by utilizing National Waterways to connect areas along the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers.
The MWMP, which will become Indias second-largest water transport system after Kochi, promises an eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective mode of travel. It is expected to enhance connectivity for isolated communities from Bajal to Maravoor, fostering regional development and improving local livelihoods through integrated transportation networks.
The project will be rolled out in phases, starting with a 30-kilometer stretch covering both the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters. The priority route will connect Bajal on the Nethravathi to Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura, with around 17 modern Metro stations, including key locations like Someshwara Temple, Ullal, and the New Mangalore Port.
State-of-the-art electric and diesel catamaran boats will be deployed to ensure comfort and operational efficiency. The project’s feasibility will be assessed in a comprehensive report that includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies, and environmental impact studies.
The report will evaluate the potential to reduce congestion in the old port areas, the feasibility of cargo movement using Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) water metros, and the environmental factors such as tidal flow variations. It will also explore integration with feeder services for seamless last-mile connectivity.
In line with sustainable development goals, the project will undergo thorough site identification, user demand assessments, and environmental impact studies. Key technical collaborations with national research institutes will assist in areas such as wave tranquillity and infrastructure recommendations for jetties and repair facilities.
The MWMP is expected to provide significant economic and environmental benefits, including easing traffic congestion, reducing air pollution, and exploring non-fare revenue streams for financial sustainability. A socio-economic impact assessment will also gauge the project’s contribution to regional development, with revenue projections from passenger fares and ancillary services.
With this project, Mangaluru aims to set a benchmark for sustainable urban mobility, utilizing its waterways to create a greener, more efficient transport system for the city. |
