Action plan formulated for development of 26 most viable National Waterways

The Dharma-Paradip via Mangalagadi to Pankapal route, in Odisha has a length of 233Km.

The steps taken by Government for development of Inland Waterways for cargo shipments in Odisha as well as promotion of water-based transport system are:

Thalweg survey for monitoring of Waterways on monthly basis is being conducted by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) (from Pankapal – Dhamra via Mangalgadi up to Paradip- 212 Line KM for phase-I) for identification of Least Available Depth in the navigation channel.

Detailed Project Report for construction of Weirs / Barrages and modification of bridges was undertaken by IWAI for development of NW-5 and NW-64.

The work for raising of High-tension line was entrusted to Govt. of Odisha for providing safe navigation clearance for passage of IWT vessels. IWAI is also engaged in development and operationalization of NW-5 and NW-64 on public private partnership mode. The option of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle for movement of coal is also being explored. Gypsum movement from IFFCO plant to Paradip Port Authority commenced w.e.f. 26^th April, 2022 by IWT mode through NW-5 and NW-64. So far, a total of 8,06,053 MT of Gypsum and19,99,362 MT of other commodities have been moved through NW-5, NW-64 and NW-23 in Odisha.