The Karnataka Inland Waterways Authority approved the Mangaluru Water Metro project, a 30-kilometer environmentally friendly transportation system that runs alongside the Gurupura and Nethravathi rivers. At a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the project was approved together with plans for improved port operations in the area, a new training facility, and island development studies.

In addition to discussing broader strategies, such as cargo transport infrastructure and the status of related projects, the meeting, which was attended by Karnataka Minister for Ports and Inland Water Transport Mankal Vaidya, also issued directives to prevent illegal land encroachments and guarantee appropriate resettlement for those affected by port expansions.

The sanctioning of the establishment of a Karnataka Inland Water Transport Training Center in Mangaluru was one of the meeting’s major outcomes. The national government’s Sagarmala Scheme seeks to promote long-term capacity building and port-led growth.

Drone surveys will also be carried out for Uttara Kannada’s integrated island development. A comparative analysis of port operations in Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat will attempt to improve Karnataka’s marine efficiency, and a thorough report on the subject is expected in three months.

The official approval of the Mangaluru Water Metro, an inland transportation project based on Kochi’s concept, was the main event of the conference. The water metro promises a sustainable mode of transportation for the coastal metropolis by connecting 17 important jetties, such as Bajal, Maravoor Bridge, Kuloor Bridge, New Mangalore Port, Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi, and Old Port.