Karnataka Maritime Board Unveils Mangaluru Water Metro Project for Sustainable Urban Mobility

Mangaluru is set to advance its urban mobility with the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), as announced by the Karnataka Maritime Board. This project aims to enhance public transport by using National Waterways to link areas along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers. Officials highlighted that this initiative will be India's second-largest water transport system, following Kochi, offering an eco-friendly and efficient travel option.

The MWMP will connect remote communities from Bajal to Maravoor, improving accessibility and fostering regional development. The project is expected to enhance local livelihoods and living standards through integrated transport networks. Initially, the project will cover 30 kilometres along the Nethravathi and Gurupura river backwaters, featuring 17 modern Metro stations on the priority route from Bajal to Maravoor Bridge.

Project Details and Implementation

Key locations such as Someshwara Temple, Ullal, and New Mangalore Port are included in the proposed route. The project will use electric and diesel catamaran boats equipped with amenities for comfort and efficiency. A comprehensive Feasibility Report will assess the project's viability, including cost-benefit analysis, market potential, operational strategies, and environmental considerations.

The report will provide crucial insights for decision-makers, stakeholders, and investors by evaluating the project's merits and challenges. Officials in the port and fisheries subdivision have focused on decongesting old port areas, exploring cargo movement feasibility using Roll-on/Roll-off water metros, and examining water level variations due to tidal flows.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

The project's Terms of Reference emphasise sustainable development through thorough site identification, user demand assessments, and environmental impact studies. Comprehensive surveys like LIDAR mapping, bathymetric studies, and topographical analysis will ensure accurate planning and implementation. Technical collaborations with national institutes will support studies on wave tranquillity and infrastructure recommendations for jetties.

An environmental monitoring programme will assess air and water quality, noise levels, and aquatic biodiversity following Ministry of Environment guidelines. The MWMP promises significant economic and environmental benefits by easing traffic congestion and reducing air pollution. The project will also explore non-fare revenue streams for financial sustainability.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

A socio-economic impact assessment will measure the project's contribution to regional development, supported by projected revenue from passenger fares and ancillary services. A senior official stated that the Board aims to champion cleaner transportation, setting a precedent for sustainable urban mobility while positioning Mangaluru as a progressive city leveraging its waterways.

Officials have also considered integration with feeder services for seamless last-mile connectivity. Demand forecasts over 25 years are based on extensive socio-economic research of MWMP's usage. The project aims to develop models ensuring financial sustainability while exploring non-fare revenue streams.