Bhubaneswar: The Centre is developing six inland waterways in Odisha through the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for both cargo and river cruise tourism.
The six declared National Waterways (NWs) are Brahmani & Mahanadi Delta & East Coast Canal (NW-5), Baitarni River (NW-14), Birupa River-Badi Genguti-Brahamani River System (NW-22), Buddha Balanga River (NW-23), Mahanadi River (NW-64) and Subarnarekha River (NW-96). These were found feasible for cargo and passenger movement based on the Techno-Economic Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the National Waterways.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that the Centre is working on water infrastructure upgrades, including ports, terminals, docks, and navigation systems in Odisha.
The projects are as follows:
1. Development of NW-5 for evacuation of coal through Talcher coal fields and connectivity to Pankapal Industrial area.
2. Jetty for river cruise tourism around Bhitarkanika Forest on Baitarni River (NW-14).
3. Birupa River -BadiGenguti -Brahmani River System (NW-22) – Floating jetties at each site, fairway and navigational aids to promote river cruise tourism connecting the ‘Diamond Triangle’ of the “Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri” Buddhist monastery complexes.
4. Buddha Balanga River (NW-23)- Floating jetties at 2 locations to promote river cruise tourism from Hidden Beach (Chandipur) to Balasore city.
5. Mahanadi River (NW-64) – Class-VII standard waterway (carrying capacity of 2000 DWT vessels), navigational aids and passenger jetties at Bahakud-Musadiafor ferry service.
6. River Subarnarekha (NW-96)- Floating jetties at 3 locations to promote river cruise tourism from Pantei Ghatto Bichitrapur Mangroves and Bhusandeswara Temple(Asia’s largest Shivlingam) and adjoining Digha Sea Beach (West Bengal).
On development of Chilika lake, the minister clarified that the lake falls under the Odisha government’s domain but the IWAI can provide technical assistance if asked for.
