The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has announced plans to launch a dedicated coastal passenger ferry service between Mangaluru and Maravanthe in Udupi district.

The proposed 110 km ferry corridor will provide an alternative to the congested NH-66, with five intermediate stops at Old Mangaluru Port, Hejmadi, Malpe, Kota, and Maravanthe. The project is estimated to cost Rs 37.8 crore and will be implemented through a public-private partnership model, with a 20-year concession period for the selected operator. KMB officials presented these plans at the Coastal Karnataka Tourism Conclave organised by the Karnataka tourism department. “Purpose-built jetties are proposed at all five locations, including Maravanthe, one of Karnataka’s most popular beach destinations,” said KMB representatives.

Alongside this, the board revealed plans for a Water Metro project around Mangaluru, with an investment of Rs 180 crore, aiming to integrate ferry services with city transport for a seamless multimodal urban system.