January 12, 2026

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) proposed the development of Coastal Passenger Ferry Services from Mangaluru to Maravanthe in Udupi district. The 110 km transport corridor from Mangaluru to Maravanthe in Kundapur taluk will have five proposed stops at Old Mangaluru Port in Mangaluru city, Hejmadi, Malpe, Kota, and Maravanthe.

The project will be taken up at an estimated cost of ₹37.8 crore, and the concession period for the concessionaire will be 20 years.

KMB officials made a presentation on the proposed ferry services and other tourism initiatives undertaken by the board during the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave organised by the Karnataka Tourism Department on Saturday.

Officials said the project vision includes establishing a sustainable maritime transport spine along Karnataka’s coast, integrating tourism and commerce while redefining efficient and scenic mobility along the NH-66 corridor. The ferry services will enhance regional connectivity and provide a reliable, efficient and sustainable alternative to the congested NH-66, KMB officials explained.

Jetties will be developed for the ferry services at Old Mangaluru Port, Hejmadi, Malpe, Kota and Maravanthe, which is a much-sought-after tourist destination in Karnataka.

Officials also explained the proposed Water Metro Project, planned to be implemented at an estimated cost of ₹180 crore.

The project spans the water bodies around Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), connecting Malavoor Bridge near Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) to Jappinamogaru Bridge via the Gurupur and Nethravati rivers through Old Mangaluru Port.

It aims to establish a seamless and sustainable multimodal transport network in Mangaluru by integrating water metro with city buses and intermediate public transport for enhanced urban connectivity. KMB officials said that, with the Gurupur and Nethravati rivers, Mangaluru holds strong potential for a PPP-based water metro system, integrating waterways with existing transport modes to enable seamless and cost-effective sustainable city mobility.