New Delhi, Jul 21 (KNN)  Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has signed a MoU with the Government of Orissa and Ports of Paradip and Dhamra for the development and maintenance of viable stretches of National Waterways-5, of about 332 Kms in two phases.  The move will help speedier movement of iron ore, coal and other industrial products from Talcher area to the ports.

“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,” according to official data.

The project would take about 3 years to complete and will cost over Rs 2000 crore.

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 1500 tons with the required infrastructure and navigation aids. In the second phase, the stretch between Talcher and Jokadia of about 131 kilometers will be developed.

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

The Odisha Government will 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 port would be responsible for developing the captive terminal facilities in their respective port premises.

Ministry of Shipping would be approaching Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for funding of the project. (KNN/ES)