- By Imran Zafar
- Thu, 06 Mar 2025 01:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The proposed Mangaluru-Udupi-Manipal Metro rail project connecting key urban areas between the two cities has advanced as the Urban Development Department initiated an assessment of its feasibility. The department directed an examination of the metro rail project's viability to analyse the expected cost and revenue of the project.
Raju P, Under Secretary of the Urban Development Department, has directed the Managing Director of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Deputy Commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi to review the techno-feasibility report submitted by S Mohanadas Hegde, a former Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) secretary and current member. Officials have been instructed to take necessary steps based on the findings of the report.
Mangaluru-Udupi Metro Rail Project Overview
Mohandas Hegde, in a letter dated February 22 to Deepa Cholan, Secretary of the Department of Urban Development, presented an analysis of the techno-economic feasibility of the proposed metro corridor.
As part of the 2025-2030 Master Plan, the study outlines a 64-km metro line linking Mangaluru to Manipal via Udupi, enhancing connectivity across urban, semi-urban, and industrial areas. The metro network is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing transport hubs, including airports, railway stations, highways, and ports.
The project is positioned as a key solution to address urban expansion, population growth and the demand for sustainable transport. It aligns with national initiatives such as the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), Smart City Mission and Gati Shakti. The plan also incorporates best practices in sustainable urban mobility, emphasizing electric vehicle (EV) integration and smart infrastructure development.
Mangaluru-Udupi Metro Rail Project Phased Implementation
The metro project will be implemented in two phases.
Phase 1 (2025-2027): Focus on land acquisition, preliminary groundwork, and initial construction.
Phase 2 (2028-2030): Involve large-scale construction, testing, commissioning, and regulatory approvals from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Railways.
Mangaluru-Udupi Metro Rail Project Funding Model
Funding for the project is expected to come from a mix of government allocations, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and international investments. Coordination with the Ministry of Railways, NITI Aayog, and state authorities will be essential, along with necessary approvals from urban development and environmental regulatory bodies.
Hegde stated that a comprehensive assessment covering technical feasibility, financial viability, environmental and social impact, and risk mitigation has been conducted. He emphasised that the metro proposal aligns with both the state’s urban transport vision and the National Infrastructure Development Agenda, ensuring a well-integrated, future-ready metro system for the region.