Bhubaneswar: A high level official team comprising chief secretary Asit Tripathy, 5T secretary VK Pandian and transport special secretary Manoj Mishra Sunday visited the Mahanadi Riverine Port project site in Kendrapada district and reviewed the present position. The visited the site today as per the direction of chief minister, Naveen Patnaik.
The Senior officers travelled to the proposed site on a vessel of Paradip Port Trust together with PPT Chairman, Rinkesh Roy and other Officials.
MLA Mahakalapada Atanu sabyaschi Nayak was present at the proposed port site and had discussion with officials about the project. Collector kendrapara Samartha Verma also participated in the discussion
The ministry of port, shipping & waterways has agreed to the State government proposal for the Riverine Port to be developed by PPT for which the formal MoU with the Stategovernment is under finalisation.
The Port will come up at Akhadasali village under Mahakalapada Block in Kendrapara district, 13 Kms upstream of the river mouth at Paradip.
This all- weather and multi-user Port on river Mahanadi will be set up in PPP mode with a capacity of 54 MTPA and estimated cost of Rs.4,062 cross, of which 22 MTIPA capacity will be created in the first phase at a cost of RS. 2,562 correct.
On commissioning, the Port will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to more than 4000 persons in the first phase and about another 1700 in the 2nd phase.
PPT will develop supporting project infrastructure like rail and road connectivity and dredging requirements of the Port.
The State government has identified 300 hectares of land for the project.
The State Govt. will also provide necessary support to PPT in respect of any additional Land required for the project.
Notably in 2018, the State government has decided to go ahead with Mahanadi Riverine Port and an RFQ was issued.
However, the project couldn’t progress due to lack of interest by potential bidders. PPT then evinced interest in the project and consequently, the MoU is proposed to be signed with the State government.
The Riverine Port, along with the State aided Haridaspur Paradip Railway line, will go a long way in boosting the economy of the Kendrapara district.
