The Centre is planning a major push to expand inland water transport across Karnataka by developing floating jetties, ferry routes and cruise infrastructure along key rivers and coastal waterways.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has drawn up an action plan to build and upgrade jetties across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada by 2026–27. Karnataka has 12 declared National Waterways, with new jetty pairs proposed on the Gurupur, Netravathi, Kali, Panchagangavali, Sharavati and Udayavara rivers.

The projects aim to improve ferry connectivity, reduce road travel distances, support tourism and strengthen regional logistics.