Karnataka’s coastal city Mangaluru is likely get a Water Metro on the lines of Kerala’s Kochi.
Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has decided to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), which aims to connect isolated areas through an integrated water transport system. The transportation network will use National Waterways (NW) on both banks of the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) Rivers, extending from Bajal to Maravoor.
The project will be implemented in phases. Initially, a priority section will cover around 30 kilometres (km) along the Nethravathi-Gurupura River backwaters. The first phase will connect Bajal on the Nethravathi River to the Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura River and will likely have 17 Metro stations.
“After Kochi, MWMP will be the second-largest water transport system. The idea is to enhance connectivity and create holistic development in the connected areas. This will improve livelihood opportunities and quality of life,” a KMB official told Moneycontrol.
“The project will be designed as an eco-friendly, economical, and efficient mode of transportation. The proposed fleet will have modern electric or diesel catamaran boats equipped with the necessary amenities for efficient operation," said the official.
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While presenting the 2024-2025 budget, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, “A feasibility report will be prepared to introduce Water Metro services in the Gurupura and Nethravathi Rivers of Mangaluru.”
SPV to execute the project
The KMB has recently floated a tender for the DPR on the MWMP. The report will cover infrastructure assessments, recommending water taxi or catamaran configurations, traffic and environmental evaluations, financial analyses, and project structure. The chosen consultant will assess the project's benefits and challenges, identify necessary resources, and evaluate its success prospects.
The study will determine optimal Water Metro station locations based on demand, land availability, and connectivity while emphasising sustainability. Demand assessments will include traveller surveys as well.
"The feasibility study will evaluate the potential of the Water Metro to reduce congestion in Mangaluru’s old port areas and assess cargo movement through Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Water Metros, including requirements for specific vehicle types and vessel specifications," said the official.
Also, read: India’s first 'Water Metro' launched by PM Modi in Kochi: 5 points
The study will analyse tidal variations and enhance multimodal connectivity. A detailed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey and bathymetric assessments will inform station planning and dredging needs. The study will also evaluate vessel maneuverability, and traffic routes for last-mile connections, and include repair facilities and jetties.
"It will also identify locations for multimodal connectivity, enhancing both passenger and cargo movement integration with other transportation systems. The consultants will project service requirements to cater to various user categories and develop demand forecasts for 25 years, considering different scenarios. The study will include a detailed LiDAR survey of the proposed metro stations and nearby areas, which will help map out facilities for first and last-mile connectivity," said an official.
Also, read: Kochi Water Metro to cruise from March: All you need to know about the public transport project
An environmental impact assessment will cover a 5-km buffer zone, examining air and water quality and ecosystem health, in line with Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change's (MOEFCC) guidelines. Financial analyses will project costs and revenues, develop a tariff structure, and assess socio-economic impacts.
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Consultants will evaluate existing infrastructure and suggest upgrades, as well as recommend vessel configurations, including size, speed, and capacity, as well as considerations for both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options, and safety measures. The report is also expected to propose a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for project implementation to enhance credibility for potential investors and lenders.
Kochi Water Metro
Kochi Water Metro project is India’s first Water Metro service, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 25, 2023. The project includes 78 boats and 38 jetties, known as Water Metro terminals, spanning 76 km across 10 islands in Vembanad Lake. These air-conditioned boats provide safe, reliable, and affordable transport, similar to the Kochi Metro Rail system. The service offers intermodal connectivity between jetties, bus terminals, metro networks, and railways. Kochi Water Metro has two types of boats, accommodating 100 and 50 passengers, and serves as a feeder service to suburbs with limited transport access.
In January 2024, Modi virtually inaugurated a 14-km Water Metro (Catamaran Metro) on the Saryu River in Ayodhya, facilitating travel from Ayodhya to Guptar Ghat for tourists and pilgrims alike.
Also, read: How Metro rail has transformed the way urban India commutes
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