The proposed Mangaluru Water Metro project received the approval of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The new transit system will link Bajal to Maravoor on both banks of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers. The approval by the Karnataka CM came during a meeting convened to discuss inland transport projects in the state. Along with the water metro, the Chief Minister, in the high-level meeting, also approved the establishment of the Karnataka Water Transport Training Centre in Mangaluru under the Central Government’s Sagarmala project.
The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) is to oversee the development work and has been asked to prepare a detailed project report. The proposed Mangaluru water metro project is set to become India’s second-largest water transport system after Kochi.
The meeting, held with senior maritime and transport officials, discussed the development of the State’s ports, the progress of water transport projects, and basic facilities required for cargo transportation.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to review land allocation policies for port and rehabilitation projects and provide a proposal. He also directed immediate action to remove encroachments. CM Siddaramaiah also directed the Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner to conduct a drone survey for the comprehensive development of the islands found in the district and submit it within three months.
The Chief Minister instructed the officials to study and submit a report on how the ports in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are functioning, as he assured all kinds of support in the development of the Mangaluru water metro.
