Latest news with #MankalVaidya
Time of India
26-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Mangaluru soon to get water metro system; second in India after Kerala
On April 23, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah approved the Mangaluru Water Metro project, marking a major step toward improving inland water transport in the state. This project will link Bajal and Maravoor via water routes across the Netravati and Gurupura rivers, providing a much-needed alternative to road travel. With this, Karnataka will become the second state in India, after Kerala, to have such an extensive water-based transit system. The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has been directed to swiftly prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the Mangaluru Water Metro. Once completed, the system is expected to ease traffic congestion on key city roads while offering a sustainable and efficient commuting option. The metro will play a crucial role in connecting both sides of the rivers, especially benefiting emerging residential areas and communities that have been historically underserved by public transport. Designed as an inclusive and environmentally friendly mobility solution, the water metro is seen as a game-changer for urban transit in the coastal city. The project is part of a broader vision to create an equitable and accessible transportation network while promoting cleaner alternatives to traditional commuting methods. In support of this initiative, the state government has also approved the creation of a dedicated water transport training centre in Mangaluru. This facility will focus on building local expertise, enhancing workforce readiness, and ensuring long-term success of the water metro. It will also open up new opportunities for employment and skill development in line with India's blue economy strategy. During the same meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Uttara Kannada to conduct a drone-based survey of islands selected for future development. A comprehensive report is expected within three months, indicating the government's urgency in pushing forward with its coastal development plans. Additionally, the Chief Minister unveiled the Karnataka Inland Transport Policy 2024, a strategic document aimed at guiding the future of inland and water-based transport across the state. Joined by Minister for Fisheries and Ports Mankal Vaidya, Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of modern, sustainable infrastructure for long-term growth and regional connectivity. Together, these efforts represent a bold move by Karnataka to modernise its transport network and tap into the potential of its waterways for economic and social development.
Hans India
26-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Mangaluru Water Metro gets green signal
Bengaluru: Karnataka's Mangaluru Water Metro project, a 30-km eco-friendly transport system along the Gurupura and Nethravathi rivers, received approval from the Karnataka Inland Waterways Authority. The project was given the green signal during a meeting led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alongside plans for a new training center, island development surveys, and enhanced port operations in the region. The meeting, attended by Karnataka Minister for Ports and Inland W ater Transport Mankal Vaidya, also tackled broader strategies, including cargo transport infrastructure and progress on related projects, while issuing directives to combat illegal land encroachments and ensure proper resettlement for those impacted by port expansions. A significant outcome of the meeting was the approval to establish a Karnataka Inland Water Transport Training Centre in Mangaluru. This is aimed at fostering port-led development and long-term capacity building under the central government's Sagarmala Scheme. Additionally, drone surveys will be conducted for the integrated development of islands in Uttara Kannada. A comprehensive report on this matter is due within three months, and a comparative study of port operations in states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat will try to enhance Karnataka's maritime efficiency. The meeting's centerpiece was the formal go-ahead for the Mangaluru Water Metro, which is an inland transport initiative inspired by Kochi's model. The water metro will link 17 key jetties, including Bajal, Maravoor Bridge, Kuloor Bridge, New Mangalore Port, Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi, and Old Port, promising a sustainable commuting option for the coastal city.
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Chief Minister approves Mangaluru water metro project
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. On the occasion, the Chief Minister, along with Minister for Fisheries and Ports Mankal Vaidya, also released the Karnataka Inland Transport Policy, 2024. Assuring all support for the development of ports in the State, the Chief Minister instructed the officials to study and submit a report on how the ports in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat are functioning.
