Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 21: The proposed Mangaluru Water Metro project, which could open up new possibilities in the city’s transport system, has received a fresh boost, with the Mangaluru Port and Fisheries Sub-Division finalising 11 of the 19 proposed Water Metro stations after undertaking several rounds of processes.
Earlier, the Cabinet had directed that a technical and financial feasibility study be conducted for the project.
The project is not limited to urban transportation but also envisages improving connectivity to the port and coastal areas. With places such as Old Mangaluru Port, Port Ferry, Sandbar, Thota Bengre, Hoige Bazaar, Jeppu and Ullal proposed to be brought into the network, the project could create new opportunities for trade, tourism and local activities around the waterways in the future.
Amid growing public interest in the project, it is still not at the final stage. Following discussions held with the PPP Cell of the Infrastructure Development Department on January 9, 2025, details of the tentative land requirement were submitted as additional information. Officials said the exact land details required for each station would be incorporated into the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Therefore, in the next stage, details regarding the technical feasibility of the project, exact route, station design, final land requirement, financial model and implementation framework will have to be finalised.
The proposed Water Metro stations are Jeppinamogaru NH, Northern Sand Bar, Old Port, Port Ferry, Sandpit Bengre, Bangra Kulur, Kulur Bridge, Kasaba Bengre, Sultan Battery, Jeppinamogaru Old Ferry and Tannirbhavi Church.
Kulur Bridge is a key feature of the project. Two separate stations, based on Ro-Ro and floating models, are being considered at this location.
The geographical nature of Mangaluru is a major basis for the Water Metro concept. By utilising the waterways surrounding the city for public transportation, there is a possibility of reducing pressure on roads.
If implemented, the project could provide some commuters with the option of choosing waterways instead of travelling through congested roads. This could offer another transportation option for connectivity between different parts of the city.
However, details such as travel time, the number of boat/Water Metro services, fares, passenger capacity and the exact route have not been provided in the preliminary document. These aspects will have to be determined in the final project report.
Shashidhar, AEE, Port and Fisheries Sub-Division, Mangaluru said that an initial report on the Water Metro has been submitted to the government. A total of 19 stations have been identified under the project, of which 11 have been finalised.