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Coastline in for flurry of activity

Staff Reporter

Port sector on progress path

BHUBANESWAR: The 480-km ‘quiet’ coastline of Orissa is set to witness loads of activities in coming days as development in port sector is likely to take off in face of fast industrialisation in Orissa as well as neighbouring states like Jharkhand and Chhatisgharh.

While the State Government has signed memoranda of understanding with four ports at Dhamra in Bhadrak district, Gopalapur in Ganjam, Jatadhari in Jagatsinghpur and Kirtania in Balasore district, sources said private developers showed interest in another four places along the coast.

The places include Chudamani in Bhadrak district, Astaranga and Baliharichandi in Puri and Bahuda mouth in Ganjam district.

The State Government has already identified 13 potential sites for development of minor ports along the coast spreading across six districts of the State.

"Major advantage for development of sea port is that Orissa has a vast hinterland generating cargo, comprising of other developing eastern and central Indian states," the latest paper on ports prepared by the State Government said.

The State Government had handed over the land at port site and the Dhamra Ports Company Limited was acquiring private land for 62.5 kilometre-rail-link from Bhadrak to Dhamra. The port was proposed to be commissioned by 2009.

Similarly, Gopalpur Port, which was a seasonal lighterage port from 1986-87, was closed down during 2003-04 due to lack of cargo.

But after concession agreement was signed between the state government and private developers, the port was made work operational from February this year.

For Jatadhar Muhan Port, which was proposed to be developed by South Korean steel giant POSCO as part of its planned 12 million tonne per annum steel mill, necessary studies were going on. The State Government had given in principle approval for establishment of a captive port last year.

The latest MoU signed by the State Government is for 14 million tonne capacity port at Subarnarekha Mouth near Kirtania. The Chennai-based company proposed to invest Rs. 2000 crore for the venture.

Official sources said IIT, Chennai had already conducted a technical study for port development at Chudamani in Bhadrak district. Prospective developer for the port could be Essel Mining and Industries Limited, a flagship company of Aditya Birla Group, sources said.

Hyderabad-based Navajuga Engineering Company Limited and Chennai-based Good Earth Maritime Limited are said to have shown interest in Astaranga and Bahuda Muhan recently.

The places left out from investors’ radar are Palur in Ganjam, Barunei Muhan in Kendrapara and Inchuri, Chandipur and Bahabalpur in Balasore district.

Paradip port is the only major port operating in the State. However, the developments in port sector are likely to face resistance from green brigade as well as defence establishments.

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