THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 3, 2026
Odisha is poised to strengthen its inland waterway network and accelerate
port-led industrial development, with the proposed 588-km National Waterway-5
(NW-5) emerging as a major infrastructure initiative to improve connectivity
across the state's mineral-rich and industrial belt.
A high-level meeting on the development of NW-5 was held here on Tuesday
in the presence of Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Union Secretary,
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Vijay Kumar, along with industry
stakeholders and senior officials of various state government departments.
The meeting deliberated on the proposed development of the waterway,
which spans approximately 588 km and comprises two distinct sections. The
332-km riverine stretch, extending from Talcher to Paradip and Dhamra, lies
entirely within Odisha, while the 256-km canal section connects Dhamra with
Geonkhali in West Bengal.
The ambitious project is aimed at strengthening cost-effective inland
waterway transportation, facilitating the movement of minerals and industrial
cargo, and unlocking fresh opportunities for port-led industrialisation in
Odisha. The project is currently at the approval stage.
The deliberations focused on resolving pending issues requiring
coordinated action between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and
the Odisha government to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
Discussions covered the state's role in project execution and operations,
maintenance of infrastructure assets, land acquisition and transfer for the
development of terminals and hydraulic structures.
Ensuring adequate water availability to maintain the Least Available
Depth (LAD), development of the Khalpal Navigational Lock, obtaining statutory
clearances, and construction and dismantling of bridges also figured
prominently during the meeting.
The participants further discussed critical infrastructure requirements,
including last-mile road connectivity and the shifting of high-tension and
low-tension electricity lines, which are essential for seamless development and
operation of the waterway.
The meeting also reviewed several other strategic infrastructure initiatives with the potential to transform Odisha's maritime and industrial landscape. These include the proposed Bahuda Muhan Port, the Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapada district and a Cruise Terminal at Puri, aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure and giving a boost to cruise tourism.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg assured the Union government and stakeholders of all necessary support from the Odisha government for the timely implementation of the state's portion of NW-5. She also underscored the state's commitment to facilitating other major infrastructure projects that are crucial for industrial growth, maritime development and the promotion of cruise tourism.
