New Delhi: The Centre had accorded administrative approval for sanction of Rs 50.30 crore for developing all-weather ROPAX ((Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) Jetty and allied infrastructure connecting Kaninali in Bhadrak with Talachua in Kendrapada under the Sagarmala initiative.
The project will be implemented on a 50:50 fund sharing basis.
The Rs 110.60 crore ROPAX Jetty will come up on Dhamra river and reduce the travel time from 6 hours to just an hour. The project also includes utility infrastructures such as parking area development, navigational aids and dredging.
Continuous efforts are underway to develop 21st-century infrastructure and unlock the potential of our waterways. Sanction of ₹110 crore for the development of an all-weather ROPAX jetty over river Dhamra will further enhance the speed of development in Bhadrak & Kendrapada. https://t.co/d9eHw4PQSq
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 16, 2021
According to an official release, the development of the existing ghat with all-weather ROPAX jetties is being carried out with the intent of accommodating boats, launches and other vessels as well as to ply vessel having the capacity to carry 10 light motor vehicles, 20 motorbikes along with 60 passengers at a time, simultaneously ensuring the safety of all passengers and vehicles.
The project will facilitate indirect employment opportunities for locals around the Dhamra river. It will also reduce the road distance of 200 km from Talachua to Dhamra.
Besides enhancing the safety of passengers and vehicles, the connectivity will increase the commercial and business activities and uplift the socio-economic status of the surrounding region, the release added.