Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 6: Encouraged by the success of the Kochi Water Metro, authorities are actively exploring the feasibility of introducing a similar water-based public transport system along Karnataka’s coastal belt.
A delegation of the Coastal Development Authority (CDA), led by its chairman M A Gaffoor, recently visited Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to study the operational and technical aspects of the Kochi Water Metro and to assess the possibility of replicating the model in coastal Karnataka. CDA secretary Pradeep D’Souza and other officials were part of the delegation.
During the visit, the team examined various components of the Kochi Water Metro, including the construction of floating jetties, vessel operations, boat-building yards and water-level management systems. The delegation was informed that the Kochi system was developed at a comparatively low cost of around Rs 100 crore to Rs 200 crore, making it a viable and sustainable public transport model.
Gaffoor said that the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada together have around 186 backwater locations, many of which could potentially be utilised for a water metro network. He noted that such a system could significantly improve connectivity while reducing pressure on road infrastructure.
Referring to an earlier assessment, Gaffoor said KMRL had submitted a report stating that, based on certain parameters, the water metro system could not be extended beyond the Gurupur–Maravoor bridge stretch. However, the CDA now plans to provide additional data points and identify alternative locations to reassess the project’s feasibility.
He added that a detailed report would be submitted to the state government in the coming days, following which the authority would await further directions regarding financial support.
The CDA initiative gains significance in the backdrop of the Karnataka Maritime Board’s recent proposal for a water metro project in and around Mangaluru city, estimated at Rs 180 crore. The proposed network is planned to connect Malavoor Bridge near Mangaluru International Airport with Jeppinamogaru Bridge through the Gurupur and Netravati rivers and the Old Mangaluru Port, as part of a multimodal urban transport system.
In addition, the Maritime Board has also proposed a coastal passenger ferry service between Mangaluru and Maravanthe in Udupi district as an alternative to the congested NH-66, highlighting the growing focus on water-based transport solutions in coastal Karnataka.
Gaffoor said discussions were also held with KMRL managing director Loknath Behera on effectively utilising backwaters in coastal regions for water transport, adding that the Kochi model offers valuable lessons for sustainable urban and coastal mobility.