Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 9: The long-awaited Ro-Ro water transport project connecting Hoige Bazaar at Mangaluru Old Port and Kuloor Bridge has received approval from the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC). With this clearance, the Rs 29.60-crore project has gained momentum, and construction is expected to commence by October. Once completed, the project will provide an alternative waterway for vehicles and passengers and is expected to play a significant role in easing traffic congestion in the city.

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A public hearing on environmental issues related to the project was conducted in October last year under the leadership of the Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner. The project is being implemented by the Karnataka Water Transport Board under the Department of Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport at an estimated cost of Rs 29.60 crore. The project had already received approval under the Central government's Sagarmala Scheme-2022, while the SEAC committee had recommended it in 2024. The project will be funded equally by the Central and State governments.

The Ro-Ro service will have the capacity to transport 400 metric tonnes of cargo and 200 passengers daily. Jetties measuring 25 metres by 13 metres and terminal buildings will be constructed at both Hoige Bazaar and Kuloor. Dredging work up to a depth of three metres will be undertaken to ensure the safe movement of vessels. The project also includes the development of two floating jetties and a floating gangway. Two Ro-Ro vessels are proposed to operate 12 trips per day.

The project had earlier obtained Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance. During the environmental public hearing held in October, both support and opposition to the project were expressed. Officials maintained that the project would not adversely affect fishing activities or have any negative impact on the environment and that all required safety and security measures would be implemented.

According to project authorities, the initiative will help reduce traffic congestion and travel time in Mangaluru city, promote water tourism, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic development of the region.

The National Environment Conservation Federation (NECF) had raised certain objections to the project. The organisation expressed concerns that dredging, land filling, and construction activities could lead to the destruction of mangroves and trees. It also objected to the project tender being floated before obtaining environmental clearance.

The project includes the construction of two RCC jetties, two waterfront terminals, two utility buildings, two floating jetties, one Ro-Ro vessel, and dredging of 78,078 cubic metres.

Residents believe that the introduction of the Ro-Ro service could provide relief from the movement of fish-transporting trucks that currently spill fish waste water on city roads. They say that if the district administration imposes restrictions on fish trucks entering the city, such vehicles could be transported from the Hoige Bazaar jetty to the Kuloor jetty and then proceed directly to the National Highway.

Manohar Acharya, assistant engineer of the Ports Department, said that the State Expert Appraisal Committee has granted approval for the construction of supporting jetties for the Ro-Ro water transport service between Kuloor and Hoige Bazaar. He said the approval has accelerated the implementation process and that, after completion of certain procedures, work is expected to commence after August.