Bhubaneswar: Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has entrusted the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), an arm of IIT Madras, with the crucial task of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the extension of National Waterway-64 (NW-64) along the River Mahanadi.
This ambitious project aims to extend the waterway from the existing Sambalpur barrage in Odisha to Naya Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, potentially unlocking significant economic and logistical benefits for both states.
The DPR will encompass a comprehensive study of the river’s navigability, infrastructure requirements, and the potential for cargo and passenger movement along this extended stretch. This development aligns with the Government of India’s focus on harnessing the potential of inland waterways for efficient and cost-effective transportation.
In a significant addition to the scope of work, IWAI has also tasked NTCPWC with conducting a feasibility study for establishing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) facilities in the vicinity of the Hirakud reservoir. This inclusion comes at the request of the Odisha state government, recognizing the tourism potential of the picturesque Hirakud area and the economic opportunities that a well-developed MICE infrastructure could bring.
The study will assess the viability of setting up world-class MICE venues, considering factors such as connectivity, accommodation, existing tourism infrastructure, and potential demand. The integration of MICE facilities with the extended waterway could create a unique tourism circuit, attracting both business and leisure travelers to the region.
This collaboration between IWAI and NTCPWC, leveraging the expertise of IIT Madras, marks a significant step forward in the development of inland waterways and tourism infrastructure in the region.
The findings of the DPR and the feasibility study are eagerly awaited, as they will pave the way for the potential transformation of the Mahanadi River into a vital artery of commerce and tourism, contributing to the economic growth of Odisha and Chhattisgarh.