Kendrapada, June 25 (UDN): More than seven years after it was announced with much fanfare, Odisha's first proposed riverine port on the Mahanadi River in Mahakalapada block of Kendrapada district continues to remain in limbo, with little progress visible on the ground.
The ambitious project was announced by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during his visit to Kendrapada on December 8, 2018. Envisaged under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the proposed port was to be developed with the support of Paradip Port and was expected to handle an annual cargo capacity of 18.43 million tonnes.
The first phase of the project was estimated to involve an investment of around Rs 2,110 crore. The proposal had generated considerable optimism in Kendrapada, a district that has long lagged behind in terms of industrial development and investment.
Expectations had further soared following discussions involving Paradip Port and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel for the development of a port-led industrial corridor in the region. The project was seen as a potential catalyst for economic transformation, with estimates suggesting that it could create over 15,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
However, despite several official meetings, site inspections and repeated assurances from political leaders, the project has failed to move beyond the planning stage. Residents and members of civil society allege that no tangible progress has been made since the initial announcement.
The prolonged delay has triggered disappointment among locals, who argue that Kendrapada has repeatedly witnessed major development proposals failing to materialise. They cite earlier announcements related to a proposed port at Barunei and a thermal power project at Alailo, both of which never took off.
Questions also continue to surround investment commitments, project timelines, availability of raw materials and the status of proposed industrial partners linked to the riverine port project.
With no clear roadmap or official update on the project's future, concerns are growing that the proposed riverine port may join the list of unrealised infrastructure projects in the district, leaving residents still waiting for the promised industrial and economic transformation.
Stakeholders have urged the government to clarify the status of the project and outline a definite timeline for its implementation.
