Bhubaneswar, Nov 4 (UDN): Odisha is stepping up efforts to develop National Waterway-5 (NW-5) with the aim of strengthening inland water transport, improving cargo connectivity and accelerating industrial growth across the state.
Pic Credit: x.com/SecyChief
Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the state government’s commitment to the ambitious project during a high-level review meeting held on Tuesday in the presence of Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Senior officials from various state government departments, along with representatives of industries, participated in the meeting to discuss the project’s progress, implementation challenges and coordination requirements.
588-Km Waterway to Connect Odisha and West Bengal
The proposed National Waterway-5 will cover approximately 588 kilometres and comprise two major stretches.
The first is a 332-km riverine corridor connecting Talcher with Paradip and Dhamra ports, entirely within Odisha. The second is a 256-km canal stretch linking Dhamra in Odisha with Geonkhali in West Bengal.
Once developed, the waterway is expected to provide an alternative transportation route for mineral-rich and industrial regions of Odisha, facilitating the movement of bulk cargo and strengthening connectivity with major ports.
The project is currently awaiting the necessary approvals.
Focus on Infrastructure and Implementation Challenges
During the meeting, officials reviewed several pending issues requiring coordinated action between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Odisha Government.
Key discussions focused on land acquisition and transfer for terminals and hydraulic structures, infrastructure development, and arrangements for the operation and maintenance of the waterway.
Ensuring sufficient water availability to maintain the required Least Available Depth (LAD) for navigation also emerged as an important issue.
Other critical components discussed included the development of the Khalpal Navigational Lock, obtaining statutory clearances, construction and dismantling of bridges, improving last-mile road connectivity and shifting high-tension and low-tension electricity lines.
The timely resolution of these issues will be crucial for moving the project towards implementation.
Bahuda Port, Shipbuilding Cluster and Puri Cruise Terminal Also Reviewed
Apart from National Waterway-5, the meeting discussed other major maritime and tourism infrastructure initiatives planned in Odisha.
These include the proposed Bahuda Muhan Port, a Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara district and the development of a Cruise Terminal at Puri.
The projects are expected to strengthen the state’s maritime infrastructure, attract industrial investment, generate employment opportunities and provide a boost to coastal tourism.
Odisha Assures Full Support
Chief Secretary Anu Garg assured the Union Government and other stakeholders that the Odisha Government would extend all necessary assistance for the timely implementation of the state’s share of National Waterway-5.
She also reiterated the state’s commitment to expediting other important port-led development projects to strengthen industrial infrastructure, improve logistics efficiency and promote cruise tourism.
With the proposed waterway and associated maritime projects, Odisha is looking to expand its inland transportation network and unlock new opportunities for industrial and economic development.