Kendrapara, 20/12:A higher level team from state Govt led by Chief Secretary, Shri Asit Tripathy along with Shri V.K.Pandian, Secretary, 5T and Shri Manoj Mishra, Special Secretary, Commerce & Transport visited the proposed Mahanadi Riverine Port site in Kendrapara. This visit is done as per the direction of the chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
The Senior officers traveled to the proposed site on a vessel of Paradip Port Trust together with PPT Chairman, Shri Rinkesh Roy and other Officials.
MLA Mahakalapada Sri Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak was present at the proposed port site and had a discussion with officials about the project. Collector Kendrapara Samartha Verma also participated in the discussion
It may be recalled that the Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways has agreed to the State Govt proposal for the Riverine Port to be developed by PPT for which the formal MoU with the State Govt. is under finalization.
The Port will come up at Akhadasali village under Mahakalapada Block in Kendrapara district, 13 Kms. From 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 an estimated cost of Rs.4,062 Cr, of which 22 MTIPA capacity will be created in the first phase at a cost of RS. 2,562 Cr.
Paradip Port Trust will develop supporting project infrastructures like rail and road connectivity and dredging requirements of the Port.
The State Govt. has identified 300 hectares of land for the project.
The State Govt. will also provide the necessary support to PPT in respect of any additional land required for the Project.
Notably in 2018, the State Govt. has decided to go ahead with Mahanadi Riverine Port and an RFQ was issued.
However, the Project couldn’t progress due to a 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 Govt.
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.
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.