– KMB invites tenders for preparation of DPR
Bengaluru: Water Metro service is likely to be available in Karnataka’s coastal city Mangaluru on the model of Kerala Kochi.
If everything goes as expected, water metro service will be available in Mangaluru soon on the model of Kerala Kochi. As proposed by CM Siddaramaiah in the last budget, the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) is preparing a DPR for the water metro project in Mangaluru.
Since Mangaluru city is surrounded by the Netravati and Phalguni rivers, a plan has been made to bring water metro to life on the same route as in Kochi. Under the National Water Transport Project, the state government has planned to bring metro transport from Bajal in Netravati to Maravoor and Gurupura via the Phalguni river.
The Mangalore Water Metro project is the second largest water transport system after Kochi. It aims to increase connectivity and create integrated development in the connected areas. The project will improve livelihood opportunities and quality of life, a KMB official told the media.
During the presentation of the 2024-2025 budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that a feasibility report would be prepared to start water metro services on the Gurupura and Netravati rivers in Mangalore.
The country’s first water metro service was launched in Kerala last year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the water metro project on April 25. The metro operates on 10 islands around the port city of Kochi, and the water metro service is provided through 8 electric boats and 38 terminals.
