Bhubaneswar: With a combined cargo handling capacity of 145 million MTPA, Paradip and Dhamra are already one of the most important ports of India, contributing significantly to the country’s cargo handling capacity. The two ports in Odisha not only act as the gateway for trade with ASEAN region but the NH-16 and Howarh-Chennai (rail) link act as the ‘spine’ to connect Paradip and Dhamra to other parts of the country.
During a one day visit to Odisha, Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog accompanied by senior officers from the Central Government met with Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaikand visited the two ports in Odisha to review the development of the state’s Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ). During the visit, the State Industries department briefed the Central Government officials about the existing infrastructure, connectivity, availability of land and resources at Dhamra and Paradip.
Speaking about the significance of Odisha’s Costal Economic Zone, Mr. Amitabh Kant said “Paradip and Dhamra ports together make a formidable combination and they are part of the Costal Economic Zones identified by the Center under the Sagarmala project. These ports are highly important for the country as it serves as India’s gateway for trade with South East Asian Nations. We need to fast track development of these ports and enhance its connectivity as it will definitely give a boost to India’s economy.”
Located at a distance of about 215 Kms from Bhubaneswar, Dhamra Port currently has a capacity of 25 million MTPA. It has been planned to rapidly expand its capacity to 100 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) by 2020 and subsequently upto 314 MMTPA. On the other hand, Paradip port has a much higher cargo handling capacity of 118.5 million MTPA. Located at a distance of 110 Kms from Bhubaneswar, Paradip is also expected to witness rapid expansion to a capacity of 325 MMTPA, handling vessels up to 200,000 DWT.
Addressing the Government of India officials, Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Odisha said “Looking at the significance of Dhamra and Paradip Ports, we have recommended the Central Government to consider Odisha’s Coastal Economic Zone for development in the first phase of Sagarmala project. Last year, Paradip Port alone handled one of the highest amount of cargo in India and our target is to increase the combined capacity of the two ports from 145 million MTPA to 600 million MTPA. Investments of Rs 79,000 crore has been already approved by the state’s single window clearance authority for port-led industrialization in the districts adjoining these ports and they already have presence of anchor tenants like Adani, IOCL, PPL and IFFCO.”
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