Bhubaneswar: With a focus on unlocking the industrial potential of Odisha’s mineral-rich hinterland and strengthening connectivity to major ports, the state government and the Centre deliberated on expediting the development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), spanning 588 km across Odisha and West Bengal.
A high-level meeting chaired Tuesday in the presence of Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Secretary, Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar, brought together industry stakeholders and senior officials of various departments to discuss pending issues and the way forward for the ambitious inland waterway project.
Of the proposed 588-km stretch, the 332-km riverine section from Talcher to Paradeep/Dhamra lies entirely in Odisha, while the remaining 256-km canal section extends from Dhamra to Geonkhali in West Bengal. The project, currently awaiting approval, is expected to provide a major boost to cargo movement and port-led industrial development.
The discussions centred on resolving bottlenecks requiring coordination between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the State government. Key issues included land acquisition and transfer for terminals and hydraulic structures, maintenance of project assets, statutory clearances and the state’s role in implementation and operation.
Ensuring adequate water availability to maintain the Least Available Depth (LAD), development of the Khalpal Navigational Lock, construction and dismantling of bridges, last-mile road connectivity and shifting of high-tension and low-tension power lines also figured prominently. The meeting also reviewed other strategic infrastructure proposals, including the Bahuda Muhan Port, the proposed shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapada district and a cruise terminal at Puri, aimed at expanding Odisha’s maritime and tourism potential. Garg assured the Centre of all necessary support from the state government for the timely implementation of the Odisha stretch of NW-5 and other key projects, underlining their importance for industrial growth and cruise tourism.
