The dream of a “Kochi-style” commute in Karnataka is rapidly nearing reality as the Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP) has moved from a conceptual stage to an active budget priority, with local legislators making a final, unified push for massive funding in the upcoming state budget.

The Vision: India’s Second-Largest Network

Spearheaded by the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB), this ₹270-crore project is designed to be the country’s most significant water transit system after Kerala’s pioneering model. The project isn’t just a ferry service; it’s an integrated urban transport solution aimed at decongesting the city’s increasingly choked arterial roads.

Route Breakdown: Connecting the Coast

The metro will utilize the city’s natural geography, specifically the Netravati (NW-74) and Gurupura (NW-43) rivers.

• Total Span: 30 kilometers.

• Key Terminals: A massive 17-station network is planned.

• Primary Stretch: The line will connect Bajal to the Maravoor Bridge (near the Airport), creating a direct link between the city’s southern fringes and its northern industrial and aviation hubs.

• Major Stops: Stations will include the Old Port (Bunder), Sultan Battery, Ullal (Kotepura), Someshwara Temple, and New Mangalore Port (NMPA).

Technology: Eco-Friendly Catamarans

In a bid to maintain the fragile coastal ecology, the fleet will consist of electric and diesel-hybrid catamarans. These state-of-the-art boats are being modeled to offer:

• Air-conditioned cabins for a premium commuter experience.

• Smart Ticketing, allowing for a seamless transition between buses and ferries.

• Ro-Ro Capabilities, with studies currently exploring the feasibility of Roll-on/Roll-off services to transport goods and vehicles across the rivers.

Latest Development

On February 12, a high-level meeting of the Coastal Development Board was held in Mangaluru. Led by Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader, local MLAs—including Umanath Kotian and Y. Bharat Shetty—demanded that the state government finalize the allocation for the Water Metro immediately.

With the Detailed Project Report (DPR) already under review, officials are aiming for an initial phase launch by late 2026. This development is expected to not only ease traffic but also turn the Gurupura and Netravati backwaters into a global tourism destination.