Finance
On Monday, a significant meeting was conducted about the advancement of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Secretary Vijay Kumar from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and representatives from various industry stakeholders and Odisha Government departments.
The meeting addressed the suggested development of NW-5, covering a total distance of 588 km. The initial segment encompasses the Riverine Section from Talcher to Paradip/Dhamra, totaling 332 km solely within Odisha, while the subsequent segment consists of the Canal Section from Dhamra to Geonkhali in West Bengal, measuring 256 km.
The initiative, currently in the approval stage, seeks to enhance inland waterway connectivity for the mineral and industrial region and foster port-led industrial growth in Odisha.
Conversations included state government involvement in execution and functioning, upkeep of assets, procurement of land for terminals and hydraulic installations, water release for sustaining Least Available Depth (LAD), creation of Khalpal Navigational Lock, necessary approvals, building and removal of bridges, final road access, and relocation of HT/LT lines.
Important forthcoming projects such as the Bahuda Muhan Port, the Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara district, and the Cruise Terminal in Puri were also addressed.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg guaranteed the required assistance from the state government for the prompt execution of Odisha’s section of NW-5 and other essential projects vital for the state’s industrial growth and the advancement of cruise tourism.
