Odisha’s Ro-Pax Ferry Service to Reduce Travel by 200km

In a major move to enhance inland water connectivity, the Odisha government plans to launch the Dhamara-Talachua Ro-Pax ferry service on National Waterway No. 5. This service will significantly improve transportation for tourists, passengers, and cargo between Dhamara in Bhadrak district and Talachua in Kendrapada district, reducing the travel distance from 200 km by road to just 7 km by river.

The new vessel, M.V. Bhupen Hazarika, is designed to carry 8 trucks and 100 passengers simultaneously. This initiative is expected to boost trade, tourism, and regional connectivity while offering a more efficient and eco-friendly travel option. The Commerce and Transport Department has initiated the tender process for the ferry’s operation, maintenance, and management, which will adhere to the safety standards outlined in the Inland Vessels Act, 2021.

Officials emphasize that this service will not only streamline transportation but also create indirect employment opportunities and promote sustainable travel options, especially in remote areas that are less accessible by road. This project forms part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Odisha government and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), aimed at enriching the state’s inland transport infrastructure.

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