The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has unveiled an ambitious plan to develop a scenic coastal passenger ferry service, connecting Mangaluru to the popular tourist destination of Maravanthe in Udupi district. The proposal was presented during the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave organized by the state's tourism department on Saturday.
A 110-Km Scenic Transport Corridor
The proposed transport corridor will span approximately 110 kilometers along Karnataka's picturesque coastline. The ferry service is planned to have five key stops: starting at the Old Mangaluru Port in Mangaluru city, and then proceeding to Hejmadi, Malpe, Kota, and finally Maravanthe in Kundapur taluk. Officials stated that dedicated jetties will be developed at each of these locations to facilitate the service.
This initiative is envisioned as a sustainable maritime transport spine for the state's coast. It aims to seamlessly integrate tourism and commerce while offering an efficient and scenic travel alternative to the often-congested NH-66 highway corridor. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 37.8 crore, and the selected concessionaire will operate the service for a period of 20 years.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
KMB officials emphasized that the ferry service is designed to significantly enhance regional connectivity. It will provide a reliable, efficient, and sustainable travel option, directly addressing the traffic woes on the national highway. A major expected outcome is a substantial boost to both conventional coastal tourism and experiential travel, allowing visitors to explore the region's beauty from the water.
The selection of stops underscores this tourism focus. Malpe and Maravanthe are among Karnataka's most sought-after coastal destinations, famous for their beaches and unique geography. Linking them via a comfortable ferry ride is expected to create a novel tourist circuit.
Mangaluru's Water Metro Vision
Alongside the coastal ferry, the KMB also detailed the proposed Water Metro Project for Mangaluru. This larger initiative, with an estimated cost of Rs 180 crore, aims to create an integrated urban transport network.
The Water Metro will span water bodies within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits. Its planned route will connect the Malavoor Bridge near Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) to the Jappinamogaru Bridge, traversing the Gurupur and Nethravati rivers via the Old Mangaluru Port.
The core objective is to establish a seamless, sustainable, and multimodal transport system for the city. Officials highlighted that Mangaluru, with its two major rivers, holds strong potential for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) based water metro. This system will integrate waterways with existing city buses and other public transport, enabling cost-effective and sustainable urban mobility.
The combined vision of the coastal ferry and the Water Metro project marks a significant shift towards leveraging Karnataka's aquatic resources for smarter transportation and economic growth through tourism.
