Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has assured full support for the development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), a proposed 588-km inland waterway project aimed at improving connectivity between the State’s mineral and industrial belt and major ports.
The issue was discussed at a high-level meeting held in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Vijay Kumar. Representatives of industry and various State Government departments also participated in the deliberations.
The proposed waterway is divided into two sections. The 332-km riverine section will connect Talcher with Paradip and Dhamra, entirely within Odisha. The remaining 256-km canal section will extend from Dhamra to Geonkhali in West Bengal.
The project is currently at the approval stage and is expected to strengthen inland waterway connectivity, facilitate the movement of minerals and industrial goods, and support port-led industrial development in Odisha.
The meeting focused on resolving pending issues requiring coordination between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the State Government. Discussions covered the State’s role in project implementation and operation, maintenance of assets, land acquisition and transfer for terminals and hydraulic structures.
Other key issues included ensuring water availability to maintain the Least Available Depth (LAD) for navigation, development of the Khalpal Navigational Lock, statutory clearances, construction and dismantling of bridges, last-mile road connectivity and shifting of high-tension and low-tension power lines.
The meeting also reviewed other proposed projects with implications for the State’s maritime and tourism sectors, including Bahuda Muhan Port, the Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara district and a cruise terminal at Puri.
Garg assured the Centre of all necessary support from the State Government for timely implementation of the Odisha stretch of NW-5 and other key projects aimed at strengthening industrial development and promoting cruise tourism.
