Bhubaneswar: A high-level meeting regarding development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5) was held on Monday in presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Vijay Kumar, along with industry stakeholders and Odisha Government departments.
The meeting discussed proposed development of NW-5 for total length of 588 km. Out of this, first part is Riverine Section from Talcher to Paradip/Dhamra – 332 km entirely in Odisha, and second part is Canal Section from Dhamra to Geonkhali in West Bengal – 256 km.
The project, presently under approval phase, aims to strengthen inland waterway connectivity for mineral and industrial belt and promote port-led industrial development in Odisha.
Discussions covered state government participation in implementation and operation, maintenance of assets, land acquisition for terminals and hydraulic structures, release of water for maintaining Least Available Depth (LAD), development of Khalpal Navigational Lock, statutory clearances, construction and dismantling of bridges, last mile road connectivity and shifting of HT/LT lines.
Key upcoming projects including Bahuda Muhan Port, Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara district and Cruise Terminal at Puri were also discussed.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg assured all necessary support from state government for timely implementation of Odisha portion of NW-5 and other key projects critical to state’s industrial development and cruise tourism promotion.
