New Delhi: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, detailed the government’s extensive efforts to enhance hinterland connectivity for major and non-major ports in Odisha during the session of the Rajya Sabha. In a written response, the Minister highlighted a series of multi-modal projects aimed at integrating ports like Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur with the national industrial grid.
The government has identified 29 key road and rail projects designed to streamline the movement of cargo between the coast and the hinterland. These initiatives include the widening of national highways, construction of additional rail lines, implementation of auto-signaling systems, and the development of multi-modal logistics parks. According to the Minister, these projects are being monitored and consolidated under the Comprehensive Port Connectivity Plan in coordination with the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Thirteen projects have already reached completion, primarily serving Paradip Port. These include the 3rd railway line between Jakhapura and Haridaspur, the new rail line from Haridaspur to Paradip, and the doubling of the Titlagarh to Sambalpur line. These developments are expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and promote port-led industrialization in the region.
Currently, eight projects are under implementation, including the expansion of the Talcher-Bimlagarh new rail line and the 3rd rail line between Bhadrak and Vizianagaram. Notably, the development of National Waterway 5, which connects Talcher to Dhamra and Paradip via the Brahmani and Mahanadi rivers, is also underway to provide an alternative, eco-friendly mode of transport.
Looking toward future expansion, eight additional projects are in the planning stage. These include a new four-lane upgrade for the NH 720 Duburi-Keonjhar corridor and the development of rail infrastructure from Amarda Road station to the upcoming Subarnarekha Port. The Minister emphasized that these investments are central to the state’s economic development, as they are projected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment while boosting the efficiency of Odisha’s maritime sector.