Mangaluru To Launch Eco-Friendly Water Metro: Transforming urban transport {Image Source: X}

Mangaluru to launch eco-friendly water metro: Transforming urban transport

Mangaluru is set to launch its Water Metro Project, aimed at boosting eco-friendly transportation along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers. The project will connect local communities through 17 strategically placed stations, fostering economic growth and promoting sustainable commuting throughout the city.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Mangaluru to launch an eco-friendly Water Metro for sustainable transport.
  • The project connects 17 stations along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers.
  • The new system boosts local connectivity and promotes economic growth.
  • Mangaluru’s Water Metro aims to reduce traffic and carbon emissions.
  • Electric and diesel catamarans will offer modern, safe commuting options.

Mangaluru is set to launch its own Water Metro, inspired by the success of Kochi's model in Kerala. The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has taken a major step toward introducing eco-friendly, efficient water transport with the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP). This initiative aims to establish a sustainable public transportation system along the region’s national waterways.

The Mangaluru Water Metro will link remote areas on both sides of the Nethravathi (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers, spanning a 30-km route from Bajal to Maravoor. Marked in red on navigation charts, this route is set to significantly improve connectivity for communities along the riverbanks, boosting local economies and enhancing the quality of life for residents. By prioritising sustainability and affordability, the project is designed to offer a modern alternative to traditional transport methods.

Once completed, the Mangaluru Water Metro will be India’s second-largest water transport network, after Kochi's, and will feature a fleet of electric and diesel-powered catamaran boats. These vessels will be equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and safety, serving both commuters and tourists. With the Karnataka government and KMB overseeing the project, the Mangaluru Water Metro is poised to transform the city’s transport landscape.

ROUTE AND PROPOSED STATIONS

The Mangaluru Water Metro Project will be developed in phases, with the initial focus on a 30 km stretch connecting Bajal on the Nethravathi River to Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura River. This route will feature 17 Water Metro stations, strategically located on both the left and right banks. The planned stations are:

Proposed Stations
The Mangaluru Water Metro will feature 17 strategically located stations along its 30 km route, providing convenient access for both commuters and tourists. The proposed stations are:

  1. Bajal
  2. Someshwara Temple
  3. Jeppinamogaru
  4. Bolar Sea Face (Beach View)
  5. Ullal (Kotepura)
  6. Hoige Bazar (CMFRI)
  7. Bengre
  8. Bunder (Old Port)
  9. Bolur-Bokkapatna
  10. Thannir Bhavi
  11. Sulthan Batheri
  12. New Mangalore Port (NMPA)
  13. Bangra Kuluru
  14. Kuluru Bridge
  15. Baikampady Industrial Area
  16. Kunjath Bail
  17. Maravoor Bridge

These stations are thoughtfully placed to enhance both daily commuting and tourism, offering a unique way to explore Mangaluru’s scenic waterways. Once completed, the Water Metro will not only improve local transport connectivity but also increase the city’s cultural and environmental appeal, making Mangaluru a greener, more integrated urban centre.

In India, Water Metro systems are either operational or in the planning stages in the following cities:

  1. Kochi, Kerala – Kochi Water Metro

    • Status: Under development (partially operational)
    • The Kochi Water Metro is India's first water metro project. It aims to integrate water-based public transport with the city's existing transport infrastructure. The system uses electric boats to connect the mainland to nearby islands and coastal areas.

  2. Mangaluru, Karnataka – Mangaluru Water Metro

    • Status: Planned (under development)
    • The Mangaluru Water Metro project will connect the city's key rivers (Nethravathi and Gurupura) with 17 stations. This project is expected to enhance connectivity and provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation.

These two cities are the primary locations where water metro systems are being implemented in India, with Kochi being the first to roll out such a system.