Karnataka Maritime Board to start studies for Mangaluru Water Metro

08 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) is set to initiate key studies for the proposed Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP), following an announcement by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in this year's budget. The project aims to introduce water metro services along the Gurupur and Netravathi rivers, modeled after Kochi's water metro system.

According to a senior KMB official, the 30-km route will span from Bajal to Maravoor Bridge, connecting 17 points including Kulur Bridge, Bangrakulur, New Mangaluru Port, Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi, Old Port, Bengre, Hoige Bazaar, Ullal, Bolar Sea Face, and Someshwar Temple. The project is envisioned to boost tourism, enhance recreational opportunities, and reduce urban congestion.

The plan outlines an eco-friendly transport system featuring modern electric or diesel-powered catamaran boats equipped with necessary amenities. The feasibility study will determine station placements, focusing on demand, connectivity, land availability, and sustainability. Consultants will also project demand over the next 25 years, considering various service scenarios. A detailed LiDAR survey will further support the groundwork.

The study is likely to recommend establishing a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to oversee the project, aiming to attract investors and lenders and add operational credibility. (TOI)

Infrastructure Urban

27 Oct 2025

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..