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IWAI, Paradip, Dhamra in pact to develop NW5

July 22: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government of Odisha and the ports of Paradip and Dhamra for the development and maintenance of viable stretches of National Waterways-5 of about 332 km in two phases, said an official release from the Ministry of Shipping.

“IWAI would complete the project within a period of 3 years at a total expected cost of over Rs 2,000 crore. The Ministry of Shipping would be approaching the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding of the project,” the release said.

According to the release, in the first phase, the stretch between Jokadia to Dhamra and Paradip Port would be developed for the purpose of shipping and navigation of cargo vessels of about 1,500 tons with the required infrastructure and navigation aids. In the second phase, the stretch between Talcher and Jokadia (about 131 kilometers) will be developed.

“IWAI shall prepare the project proposal for this stretch of National Waterways-5 in the next 5 months and after obtaining the necessary sanction of the estimated cost of the project will initiate action for the execution of the project,” the release added.

“The state government of Odisha shall identify and hand over the land as required for the execution of the project especially for the purpose of building terminals and other related infrastructure. The Paradip and Dhamra ports would be responsible for developing the captive terminal facilities in their respective port premises,” it said.

The proposed waterway will help the industries in Kalinganagar and Vyas Nagar industrial hub. The development of NW-5 would help in speedier and cost-effective evacuation of coal, iron ore and other industrial products from Talcher area to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra.