The Karnataka Maritime Board has unveiled plans to launch a dedicated coastal passenger ferry service linking Mangaluru with Maravanthe in Udupi district, offering an alternative to the congested NH-66 corridor.

The proposed ferry route will span around 110 km from Mangaluru to Maravanthe in Kundapur taluk, with services stopping at Old Mangaluru Port, Hejmadi, Malpe, Kota and Maravanthe. Officials said the corridor is expected to provide a faster and less congested travel option for coastal commuters and tourists.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 0.38 billion and will be implemented under a public–private partnership model, with a concession period of 20 years for the selected operator. Purpose-built jetties are proposed at all five locations, including Maravanthe, one of Karnataka’s most popular beach destinations.

Details of the ferry service and other maritime tourism initiatives were presented by KMB officials at the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave organised by the Karnataka Tourism Department.

Alongside the coastal ferry, the board also outlined plans for a Water Metro project in and around Mangaluru city, with an estimated investment of Rs 1.8 billion. The project will cover major waterways under the Mangaluru City Corporation, linking Malavoor Bridge near Mangaluru International Airport with Jappinamogaru Bridge via the Gurupur and Nethravati rivers and Old Mangaluru Port.

The Water Metro is intended to create a seamless, multimodal urban transport system by integrating ferry services with city buses and intermediate public transport. KMB officials said the Gurupur and Nethravati rivers give Mangaluru strong potential for a PPP-based water metro, enabling cost-effective, sustainable and well-connected urban mobility.