Chief Minister approves Mangaluru water metro project

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approves Mangaluru water metro project, set to become India's second-largest water transport system after Kochi.

Chief Minister Siddarmaiah on Wednesday approved the proposed Mangaluru water metro project that will connect Bajal to Maravoor on both banks of the Netravati and Gurupura rivers.

​​With multiple connectivity facilities like national highways, ports and airport in Mangaluru, the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) proposed a water metro project on the lines of  Kochi in Kerala, officials said.

The KMB will prepare a detailed project report for the project, and if implemented, it is slated to become the second-largest water transport system in India after Kochi, officials said.

At a meeting convened to discuss inland transport projects, the Chief Minister also approved the proposal to establish a Karnataka Water Transport Training Centre in Mangaluru under the Sagarmala project.

Discussions on the development of the State’s ports, progress of water transport projects, and basic facilities required for cargo transportation were held at the meeting, according to a press release from the Chief Minister’s office.

The Chief Minister directed the officials to review the land allocation lease period for rehabilitation and port-related operations and submit a proposal. He also instructed the officials to evict the encroachers at the earliest.

He directed the Uttara Kannada Deputy Commissioner to conduct a drone survey regarding the comprehensive development of the islands identified in the district and submit a report within three months.