6 days Ago By Deepthi Sanjiv
Representative Image MANGALURU : The proposal for a Mangaluru-Udupi-Manipal Metro Rail connectivity corridor has gained traction, with the Urban Development Department taking steps to assess its feasibility. Raju P, Under Secretary, Urban Development Department, has written to the Managing Director of BMRCL, Bengaluru, and the Deputy Commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi to examine the techno-feasibility study report submitted by S. Mohanadass Hegde , member and former secretary of KPCC and undertake necessary action.
In a letter dated February 22, Hegde wrote to Deepa Cholan, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, submitting a note on the techno-economic feasibility study for the proposed Mangaluru-Udupi-Manipal Intercity Metro Rail connectivity corridor (64 km) as part of a Master Plan for 2025-2030. The report outlines the 64 km corridor, connecting Mangaluru to Manipal via key urban, semi-urban, and industrial zones, ensuring connectivity to existing transport hubs, including airports, railway stations, highways, and ports. The project is crucial considering population growth, urban expansion, and the need for sustainable transport solutions.
It aligns with initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline ( NIP ), Smart City Mission , and Gati Shakti , incorporating best practices in sustainable urban mobility and smart infrastructure with a focus on EV integration and sustainable urban planning. Hegde proposed an investment model that includes govt funding, Public-Private Partnerships ( PPP ), and international funding opportunities. The project is planned to be implemented in two phases.
Phase 1, from 2025 to 2027, will focus on preliminary work, land acquisition, and initial construction. Phase 2, scheduled between 2028 and 2030, will involve full-scale construction, testing, commissioning, and obtaining regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Railways . The project will be implemented in coordination with the Ministry of Railways, NITI Aayog, and the state govt, requiring clearances from environment, urban development, and railway authorities.
“We conducted a detailed evaluation of the project’s techno-feasibility, financial viability, environmental and social impact, and risk mitigation strategies. The proposal aligns with the state govt’s urban transport vision and the National Infrastructure Development Agenda, ensuring a well-integrated and future-ready metro system for the region,” Hegde stated. Stay updated with breaking news , weather updates, bank holidays and upcoming public holidays in march .
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