Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 13: After the successful implementation of the country’s first Water Metro project in Kochi, Kerala, Karnataka is now set to replicate the model in Mangaluru. The Karnataka State Inland Water Transport Authority has approved the project, and preparations are underway to invite tenders for the Detailed Project Report (DPR). If implemented, the Mangaluru Water Metro is expected to give a major boost to the region’s tourism sector.

The Water Metro project is set to be launched on the Phalguni and Netravati rivers—lifelines of Dakshina Kannada district. The state’s department of infrastructure development, ports, and inland water transport is gearing up to call tenders for the DPR. If all goes as planned, the Water Metro is expected to be operational within two years. Discussions are also being held on inviting private companies to operate the services once the tenders are finalized. With increasing traffic congestion on roads within and around Mangaluru, the need for an alternative mode of transport such as the Water Metro has become both relevant and urgent.

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According to officials, the Water Metro will operate in a semi-circular route across the city, starting near Maravoor bridge and ending at Kotekar.

This initiative is expected to significantly benefit tourists visiting Mangaluru. The Water Metro will provide better connectivity to popular tourist and religious destinations like Kateel, Kudroli, Tannirbhavi Beach, Sultan Battery, Panambur Beach, Ullal Dargah, Tree Park, Kadri Park, the museum, Aloysius Chapel, Kadri Temple, Mangaladevi Temple, and the railway station.

There will be 19 Water Metro stations along the Phalguni and Netravati rivers. These are Maravoor Bridge, Jokatte, Kavoor, Kuloor Bridge, Bangrakuloor, Nayarkudru, Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi Church, Kasaba Bengre, Old Port, Port Ferry, Sand Bar Island, Thota Bengre, Hoige Bazaar, Jeppu, Old Ferry, Jeppu National Highway Bridge, Ullal Bridge, and Kotekar.

While the project is welcomed by many, concerns have also been raised by the public. It has been pointed out that unlike Kochi, where the Water Metro operates entirely through calm backwaters enabling scheduled and consistent speeds, the proposed route in Mangaluru passes close to the river mouth near Alive Bagilu, where tidal fluctuations are common. This could impact the expected speed and efficiency of the Water Metro service.

Hence, many have stressed the need for a thorough feasibility study before the project is executed.