Mangaluru: 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. Similarly, on the model of Kochi in Kerala, there is a possibility of getting a water metro service in Karnataka’s coastal city of Mangaluru too. The Karnataka Maritime Board has decided to prepare a comprehensive project report for the Mangaluru water metro project and has invited tenders. This transport network will connect Bajal to Maravoor on both the banks of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers.
The project will be implemented in phases. Initially, boats will ply for about 30 km along the backwaters of the Netravati-Gurupur river. A total of 17 stations are planned to be built on this route. The Mangalore Water Metro project is the second largest water transport system after Kochi. Its objective is to increase connectivity and create integrated development in the connected areas. A KMB official told the media that the project will improve livelihood opportunities and quality of life.
During the presentation of the budget for 2024-2025, 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 started in Kerala last year. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the water metro project on April 25. This metro operates on 10 islands around the port city of Kochi, providing water metro service through 8 electric boats and 38 terminals.
