India: Port of Paradip and Dhamra on Development Course

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Government of Orissa, Port of Paradip and Dhamra for the development and maintenance of viable stretches of National Waterways-5 (some 332 kilometers in length) that will be conducted in two phases.

In the first phase, the stretch between Jokadia to Dhamra and Paradip Ports will be developed for the purpose of shipping and navigation of cargo vessels of about 1500 tons with the required infrastructure and navigation aids. In the second phase, the stretch between Talcher and Jokadia will be developed.

IWAI shall prepare the project proposal for this stretch of National Waterways-5 in the next 5 months, and after obtaining cost estimates for the project will initiate action for the execution of the project.

The State Government of Orissa will be responsible to identify and hand over the land required for the execution of the project especially for the purpose of building terminals and other related infrastructure. The Paradip and Dhamra ports will be responsible for developing the captive terminal facilities in their respective port premises.

IWAI should complete the project within a period of 3 years at a total expected cost of over Rs.2000 crore.

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Press Release, July 21, 2014