The government of Odisha will soon ink an MoU with Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI) for development of the national waterways (NW-5) inside the state.
The project will developed along with other stakeholders such as Dhamra Port Company (DPCL) and Paradip Port Trust (PPT).
The NW-5 was conceptualised in 2008. However, it was failed to start due to lack of funds and participation by private players. In 2010, IWAI, a nodal agency for the project had invited EoIs for the development of the project but no progress has been made since then.
Due to delays, cost of the project has also escalated from Rs 3,800 crore to Rs 5,000 crore. The total length of NW-5 is 588 km that includes 91 km inside West Bengal. It will be implemented in three phases.
Phase-I involves development of the stretch from Pankapal near Paradip to Dhamra, while Phase-II, of 322 km, will connect Pankapal with Talcher. Phase-III which constitutes the balance 265 km stretch between Mangalagadi-Charbatia and East Coast canal will link the NW5 with NW-1.
IWAI has appointed WAPCOS as the consultant for the preparation of the project report.
Further, the government of Odisha has agreed to provide required land at free of cost for construction of terminal facilities, suitable area for dumping dredged soil and other assistance for smooth execution of the project.