Mangaluru to launch eco-friendly water metro system to transform urban transport

Mangaluru, India (Urban Transport News): Mangaluru, one of Karnataka’s most vibrant coastal cities, is set to introduce an innovative and environmentally-friendly public transportation system – the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP). This ambitious initiative aims to revolutionize urban mobility by connecting various parts of the city via the scenic Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers. With an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and affordability, the Mangaluru Water Metro is poised to become a crucial part of the city’s transportation landscape. Inspired by the success of Kerala’s Kochi Water Metro, this project aims to set a new benchmark for water-based public transport in India, offering a cleaner and greener alternative to conventional road and rail systems.

The Vision Behind the Mangaluru Water Metro

The Mangaluru Water Metro project is being spearheaded by the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB), with support from the Karnataka state government. The initiative will integrate eco-friendly water transport into the existing urban infrastructure, reducing traffic congestion and pollution while enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. By utilizing the region’s natural waterways, the project aims to make public transport more sustainable and accessible.

Spanning a 30 km route from Bajal to Maravoor—running along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers—the Water Metro will serve as a lifeline for local communities and tourists, promoting both economic development and environmental sustainability. The project will feature electric and diesel-powered catamaran boats, designed to be energy-efficient and low in emissions. These boats will be equipped with modern amenities, ensuring safety, comfort, and reliability for commuters.

With the Mangaluru Water Metro, the city aims to capitalize on its unique riverfront geography, transforming its waterways into key transport corridors while preserving its natural beauty. Upon completion, the project will be India’s second-largest water transport system, following Kochi’s successful model, and will significantly contribute to Mangaluru’s growing reputation as a modern, eco-conscious city.

The Route: Connecting Mangaluru's Key Waterways

The Mangaluru Water Metro will initially focus on a 30 km stretch, connecting Bajal on the Nethravathi River to Maravoor Bridge on the Gurupura River. This route will be divided into multiple segments, featuring 17 strategically located stations that will serve both commuters and tourists. These stations are carefully chosen to ensure accessibility to key areas of the city, including industrial zones, residential neighborhoods, and tourist destinations.

The route will follow a key section of the National Waterways 74 (NW-74) along the Nethravathi River and National Waterways 43 (NW-43) along the Gurupura River. By linking these two vital waterways, the Water Metro will improve connectivity for residents on both banks and ease transportation within the city.

Proposed Stations: Strategic Access Points for Commuters and Tourists

The Mangaluru Water Metro will feature 17 stations, strategically located along the 30 km route. These stations will serve as hubs of connectivity, facilitating easy access to various parts of the city and offering convenient alternatives to road transport. Each station will be designed to accommodate both daily commuters and tourists looking to explore Mangaluru’s scenic waterfronts. Here’s a look at the proposed stations along the route:

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 will not only provide much-needed transport solutions for daily commuters but also create opportunities for tourism development. The city’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and picturesque coastal views will attract tourists, boosting the local economy and making Mangaluru a more integrated, accessible, and eco-conscious urban center.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Transport

One of the key features of the Mangaluru Water Metro project is its focus on sustainability. With traffic congestion and pollution being major concerns in urban areas, the Water Metro aims to provide a cleaner alternative to road-based transport. The fleet of boats will primarily be powered by electric and hybrid engines, significantly reducing carbon emissions and minimizing the environmental footprint of the transportation system.

The use of electric boats will also align with Karnataka’s vision to promote green mobility and create a more sustainable urban transport system. In addition to their environmental benefits, electric boats are quieter, more efficient, and require less maintenance than traditional fuel-powered vessels. By incorporating such cutting-edge technology, the Mangaluru Water Metro will not only transform the city’s public transport network but also contribute to global efforts to tackle climate change.

Phase-wise Development and Future Expansion

The Mangaluru Water Metro project will be developed in phases, starting with the 30 km stretch that connects Bajal to Maravoor Bridge. This initial phase will serve as the foundation for further expansion, with future plans to extend the network to other parts of the city and neighboring regions. The phased approach will ensure that the system can be gradually integrated into the city’s broader transport network, minimizing disruption to daily life while maximizing benefits for commuters.

As the network expands, new routes will be introduced to serve additional neighborhoods, ports, and tourist destinations, enhancing connectivity and providing more transport options for residents. Future phases of the project will likely include the construction of new vessel docks, maintenance facilities, and integration with other public transport modes such as buses and the Mangaluru Metro (if and when it is developed).

Integration with Existing Transport Infrastructure

The Mangaluru Water Metro will be designed to work seamlessly with the city’s existing transport infrastructure. Passengers will be able to transfer between the Water Metro and other public transport options, such as buses, taxis, and eventually, the Mangaluru Metro (once operational). This integration will create a multimodal transport network, making it easier for residents to move around the city and its suburbs.

In addition to improving public transport, the Water Metro will also help ease congestion on Mangaluru’s roads and railways, especially during peak hours. By offering a reliable and efficient alternative to road transport, the system will reduce traffic jams, lower travel times, and promote a more livable urban environment.

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact

The Mangaluru Water Metro project is expected to have a transformative impact on the city’s economy, environment, and society as a whole. The introduction of water-based transport will boost local businesses by facilitating easier access to commercial areas and industrial zones. It will also promote tourism, enabling visitors to experience the natural beauty of Mangaluru from the water and explore the city’s vibrant cultural heritage.

The Water Metro will also help reduce the city’s carbon footprint by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional road-based transport. By decreasing reliance on fuel-powered vehicles, the project will reduce traffic-related emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to a greener urban environment. Additionally, by providing better connectivity to the waterfront, the project will help preserve and protect Mangaluru’s coastal ecosystems.

Mangaluru’s Water Metro: A Model for Future Urban Transport

With the launch of the Mangaluru Water Metro, the city is poised to become a leader in sustainable urban transport. By harnessing the power of its rivers and integrating modern technology with eco-friendly solutions, Mangaluru will set a new standard for water-based public transport in India.

As the first such project in Karnataka and the second-largest water transport system in India after Kochi, the Mangaluru Water Metro will inspire other coastal cities across the country to consider water transport as a viable alternative to road-based systems. As urban populations continue to grow and climate concerns intensify, water metros could become an essential part of the solution to urban mobility challenges in the coming decades.

The Mangaluru Water Metro represents a bold step towards sustainable urban transport in India. By connecting key areas along the Nethravathi and Gurupura rivers, the project promises to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and offer a cleaner, greener alternative to traditional transport systems. With its focus on eco-friendly vessels, modern infrastructure, and seamless integration with other transport modes, the Mangaluru Water Metro will transform the city’s mobility landscape and set a new benchmark for urban transport solutions across the country.

As Mangaluru moves forward with the development of its Water Metro, it will not only enhance the city’s transport network but also contribute to the global effort to create more sustainable, efficient, and livable cities for future generations.