Odisha Identifies Six National Waterways to Boost Cargo Transport and Cruise Tourism

The Centre has identified six national waterways in Odisha that are deemed feasible for cargo and passenger movement, as well as for promoting cruise tourism. This determination was made based on the Techno-Economic Feasibility Study and Detailed Project Report of the National Waterways. After consulting with the Odisha Government, the Union Minister of ports, shipping, and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, confirmed the viability of these projects in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.

Among the identified national waterways, NW-5 stands out for its potential in infrastructure development for the evacuation of coal from Talcher coalfields. It also aims to provide connectivity to the Pankapal Industrial area with the ports of Dhamra and Paradip, with an annual cargo carrying capacity of 30 million metric tons per annum. Additionally, plans include the establishment of floating jetties and navigational aids to boost river cruise tourism along the Bhitarkanika forest in the proposed NW-14 over the Baitarni River.

Furthermore, the National Waterways-22 over the Birupa-BadiGenguti-Brahmani River System has been found technically and economically viable. Infrastructure such as floating jetties, fairways, and navigational aids will be set up to promote river cruise tourism, connecting the prominent “Diamond Triangle” comprising the Buddhist monastery complexes of Ratnagiri, Udayagiri, and Lalitgiri. Other national waterways, including NW-23 over the Buddhabalanga River system, NW-64 over the Mahanadi River, and NW-96 over the Subarnarekha River, are also slated for development to enhance transportation and tourism opportunities.

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