Mangaluru plans Water Metro on Gurupura, Nethravati rivers

The Karnataka Cabinet has given in-principle approval for a technical and financial feasibility study for a proposed Mangaluru Water Metro on the Gurupura and Nethravati rivers.

The project is proposed to be developed under the public-private partnership model. The Karnataka Water Transport Board has been authorised to take the necessary steps to advance the project.

The Cabinet decision was taken at a meeting chaired by chief minister DK Shivakumar on Friday, September 18.

Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara said the government had also decided to provide a special Rs 400 crore grant for converting damaged roads within Mangaluru City Corporation limits into cement-concrete roads and for comprehensive road infrastructure development.

The action plan for the road works will be finalised under the leadership of district minister UT Khader.

The same Cabinet decision also approved rehabilitation of the old underground drainage system in Zone 3 of Mangaluru city and in Surathkal at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.

The Water Metro decision is currently at the feasibility-study stage. The study is intended to examine the technical and financial viability of introducing water-based public transport on the two rivers.

The Karnataka Water Transport Board has been authorised to take the project forward following the in-principle Cabinet approval.

The separate Rs 400 crore grant is intended for concrete-road conversion and comprehensive road infrastructure development within Mangaluru City Corporation limits.