Mangaluru's Nethravathi-Phalguni water metro plan still stuck in proposal stage

Mangaluru: Despite immense potential for inland water transport alongside the sea routes, the long-pending water metro project in Mangaluru has seen no real progress. The city had hoped to follow the Cochin model—India’s first city with a functioning water metro—but the concept remains stuck in the preliminary stages.

Years of planning, but no results

The idea to connect the city using Nethravathi and Phalguni rivers has been under discussion for years. A concept note has already been prepared and approved by the government. However, the project is still awaiting a Detailed Project Report (DPR). An estimate has been sent by the port department, but further approvals are needed to move ahead.

The DPR is expected to cover key technical aspects such as the exact route, station locations, dredging requirements, and feasibility. Once approved, the government will call for tenders and appoint consultants to draft the DPR. Only after that can the next phases begin.

Why Mangaluru needs this project

The undivided Dakshina Kannada region holds significant scope for developing inland water tourism and transport. From Adyar to Alivebagilu on the Nethravathi and from Gurupura to Tannirbavi along the Phalguni, several scenic riverbank locations have been identified as ideal for houseboats and tourism hubs.

The Union government has also revised CRZ norms to promote water-based tourism. Besides houseboats, the presence of small riverine islands (locally known as kudrus) offers more tourism possibilities. While some efforts were made in the past to develop these as tourist destinations, none reached the final stage.

River transport was once active

Before the construction of the Panemangaluru bridge on the Nethravathi and the Kuloor bridge on the Phalguni, these rivers served as the main transport routes. Ships once operated between Mangaluru and Mumbai via sea. From Mangaluru’s old port, goods were ferried to Panemangaluru and then transported inland using bullock carts. These routes became redundant after the construction of road bridges.

The proposed water metro route envisions a service starting from Maravoor bridge, passing through Kuloor and Sultan Battery, covering the old port, and reaching Adyar via the Nethravathi bridge at Jeppinamogaru. Just like city buses, the water metro will have designated stops. It is expected to serve both tourists and daily commuters.

Awaiting government nod

“Concept reports for the Nethravathi and Phalguni water metro routes have been submitted. We have written to the government seeking permission to prepare the DPR. Once approved, further processes will follow,” said Capt. Swamy, Director, Port Department.

 

Translated version of Kannada article by Dinesh Ira