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.
