Dhamara-Talachua Ro-Pax ferry service to cut travel time by 200km

In a significant step toward improving inland water connectivity, the Odisha government is set to launch the Dhamara-Talachua Ro-Pax ferry service along National Waterway No. 5.  The service, aimed at enhancing transportation for tourists, passengers, and cargo, will operate between Dhamara in Bhadrak district and Talachua in Kendrapada district. This new service will drastically reduce the travel distance from 200 km by road to just 7 km by river, offering a much shorter and more eco-friendly route.

 The specially designed vessel, M.V. Bhupen Hazarika, will be able to carry 8 trucks and 100 passengers simultaneously. This initiative is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and connectivity in the region, making travel more efficient and cost-effective.  The Commerce and Transport Department has invited tenders for the operation, maintenance, and management of the vessel, with the service set to operate under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021, ensuring adherence to safety and compliance standards. This project is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Odisha government and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), aimed at strengthening the state’s inland transport infrastructure. 

Officials highlight that the service will not only improve transportation but will also create indirect employment opportunities and promote eco-friendly alternatives, especially for regions that are difficult to access by road.