The Karnataka Maritime Board’s (KMB) proposal for a water metro system for Mangaluru has received a mixed response from stakeholders.
An RTI appeal filed by this reporter elicited the reply that the KMB targets sustainable development of public transportation in national waterways (NWs) through the Mangaluru Water Metro (MWM) project.
It said the MWM will be an integrated water transport system connecting isolated areas on both banks of the Netravati river (NW 74) and Gurupur river (NW 43)
The 30-km route from Bajal on the Netravati to Maravoor on Gurupura will have 17 jetties. A presentation by KMB at a recent workshop mentioned that the project proposes to connect the jetties through 20 buses and 10 boats. It also stated that KMB has approved the project.
Welcoming the proposal, Anand Pai, President of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the development of the water metro would cost much less than building flyovers and underpasses, apart from the cost of land acquisition for an overland metro.
Stressing the need for people-friendly and safe infrastructure, Pai said the jetties should offer accessibility to people of all ages, along with ample vehicle parking facilities.
But not everyone shares the same enthusaism for the water metro.
For instance, Yatish Baikampady, a coastal tourism promoter, wondered whether the water metro would save travel time compared to the city’s bus network, which has been in service since 1939 and covers more than 90 per cent of the city’s jurisdiction.
Last-mile linkage
Dilraj Alva of the city bus operators’ association said the water metro service is likely to be hindered by lack of last-mile connectivity, forcing users to look for additional transport options.
Pointing out that riverbanks in Mangaluru are largely empty, he said livelihood options are limited in these parts.
Pai called for the establishment of well-defined connectivity — through bus and autorickshaw services — from the docks to prominent destinations.
On comparisons with the water metro project in Kochi, Baikampady said the service is feasible there as many people use boats for their daily transport needs. Alva said that, given Mangaluru’s unique topography, comparisons with Kochi may not be apt.
Tourism project
Pointing to the existing ferry services on the outskirts of Mangaluru, Baikampady said it would be more advisable to interconnect those ferries to offer improved services to locals and tourists alike. KMB’s presentation stated that three ferry facilities witnessed an average footfall of 8,000 passengers a day.
Many in Mangaluru believe the water metro would serve as a significant tourist attraction.
Pai said the riverside could be developed to offer a range of recreation and sports activities.
Baikampady and Alva suggested harnessing the water metro to offer tourist attractions such as houseboats and fishing expeditions, as it may not be viable for use as public transport.