Karnataka Plans Coastal Ferry Between Mangaluru, Maravanthe

14 Jan 2026 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..