Bhubaneswar:3/11/26:In a major push toward inland
transport and port-led industrial growth, a high-level meeting on the
development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5) was held in Bhubaneswar today.
Co-chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg, IAS, and Union
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary Vijay Kumar, IAS, the
meeting brought together key government departments and industrial stakeholders
to fast-track the ambitious project.
Spanning a total length of 588 km, National
Waterway-5 is designed to transform freight logistics across the region. The
project comprises two primary stretches: a 332-km riverine section from Talcher
to Paradip/Dhamra located entirely within Odisha, and a 256-km canal stretch
extending from Dhamra to Geonkhali in West Bengal. Currently in its final
approval phase, NW-5 aims to provide seamless, cost-effective inland water
connectivity for Odisha’s heavy mineral and industrial belts.
Key discussions centered on crucial coordination
efforts between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Odisha
state government. Deliberations covered state participation in execution and
operations, land acquisition for terminal construction, hydraulic structures, statutory
clearances, and releasing water to maintain the required Least Available Depth
(LAD). Additionally, stakeholders addressed infrastructure prerequisites
including the Khalpal Navigational Lock, bridge modifications, last-mile road
links, and utility line shifts.
Beyond NW-5, the leaders discussed complementary
maritime ventures, including the proposed Bahuda Muhan Port, a greenfield
shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapara, and an international-standard cruise
terminal at Puri.
Assuring full backing, Chief Secretary Garg affirmed
that Odisha will extend complete administrative support to ensure timely
execution of the NW-5 state section alongside associated port and tourism
projects.