Almatti to Bagalkot waterway planned in Karnataka

VIJAYAPURA: In support of the Union government’s Sagarmala project, the state ports and inland water transport department is developing waterways from Almatti to Bagalkot soon.

The distance of 31 km involves 25 km of the Krishna river between Almatti and Herakal and 6 km of the Ghataprabha river between Herakal to Bagalkot. The department has already floated a tender worth Rs 12.2 crore. Two boating terminals will come up in Almatti and Bagalkot.

Captain C Swamy, the director of the Karnataka Maritime Board who visited Almatti and reviewed the spot recently, said that the identified water route is surrounded by industries and UNESCO heritage sites.

“Considering the tourism potential, we have planned to develop the waterway to attract tourists. The project involves components like a berthing facility (concrete floating jetty), terminal development (sea plane and boating) and fairway development (navigational aids). This project is already approved by the Union government,” he said.

Pandurang Kulkarni, the engineer for the ports and inland water transport department in Karwar, said that the tender of expression of interest for operationalisation on a PPP model has been invited and the last date is January 21.

“This tender has components of fairway development, terminal development and berthing at Almatti and Bagalkot. The department will construct infrastructure and bidders should bring boats and take responsibility of maintenance of infrastructure,” he explained.

Welcoming the project, Damodar Rati, the honorary secretary of the Bagalkot District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that this waterway will boost the economy of the region.

“This waterway is attracting even foreign birds and is turning into a bird sanctuary. It also includes many small islands. Apart from tourism, water sports can be encouraged here. In the long run, it will boost maritime industries like construction of boats, boat yards and related facilities,” he said.

He also mentioned that there was proposal for an Almatti-Kudalasangam waterway.