Karnataka Maritime Board Proposes Ferry Service from Mangaluru to Maravanthe to Boost Coastal Connectivity
The new water transport project aims to offer a faster alternative to the congested NH-66 highway while promoting tourism and reducing road traffic along the coast.
In a major step toward improving connectivity along Karnataka’s coastal districts, the Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has proposed a passenger ferry service connecting Mangaluru to Maravanthe, a popular beach destination in Udupi district.
The proposed ferry corridor will cover approximately 110 kilometers and is being viewed as an effective alternative to the busy and often congested National Highway 66 (NH-66). According to the plan, the ferry will start from the Old Mangaluru Port and make stops at Hejamady, Malpe, and Kota before reaching its final destination at Maravanthe, with a total of five intermediate stops.
The project is estimated to cost around ₹37.8 crore and will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the selected operator granted a concession period of 20 years. The plan includes the construction of modern jetties equipped with passenger facilities at all stops, including key tourist hubs like Maravanthe.
Details of the ferry service and other maritime tourism projects were presented at the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave, organized by the Karnataka Tourism Department.
Mangaluru Water Metro Project Also Announced
At the same event, KMB also announced a large-scale Water Metro project for Mangaluru city and surrounding areas, with an expected investment of approximately ₹180 crore. The proposed Water Metro network will operate on key waterways within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits. It will connect Mulur Bridge, near Mangaluru International Airport, to Jeppinaamogarau Bridge, and extend along the Gurupur and Netravati rivers up to the Old Mangaluru Port.
The Water Metro project aims to create a modern, seamless, and multimodal urban transport system by integrating ferry services with city buses and other public transport options. According to KMB officials, the presence of the Gurupur and Netravati rivers makes Mangaluru highly suitable for a PPP-based Water Metro system. This initiative is expected to reduce pressure on city roads while providing an affordable, sustainable, and eco-friendly travel solution for residents and tourists alike.
Both projects represent Karnataka’s commitment to developing water-based transport infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban mobility along its scenic coastline.
