Paradip Port’s Multi-purpose Cargo Berth To Be Operational Within 24 Months

BHUBANESWAR: The multi-purpose cargo berth being developed at Paradip Port would be operational within 24 months, informed a senior official of Paradip Port Trust.

He informed that the construction of the multi-purpose cargo berth has already commenced.

It has been planned on a build operate and transfer basis.

“The berth is likely to be operationalised within 24 months. It is expected that 40,000 containers would be handled at the facility,” said the official.

The matter was recently discussed during the visit of Union Commerce Secretary Rita Tiotia to Odisha.

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi requested timely completion of the work as it is crucial for the exports of Odisha.

CMD of Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) informed that they are presently providing services through two terminals at Rourkela and Balasore.

The Balasore terminal was initially started as an inland container depot (ICD) but was discontinued due to the low volume of traffic.

With increased marine exports, the ICD operations at Balasore could be revived, and availability of containers ensured.

He further informed that as envisaged under the Sagarmala Project an ICD/MMLP is being developed by CONCOR at Jharsuguda with an investment of approximately Rs. 85 crore.

It would be made operational by the end of the year.

CMD, CONCOR opined that the proposal for the establishment of ICD at Gopalpur is in a nascent stage as major shipping lines are not calling on the port.

Any request for providing containers could presently be met using the existing siding, and the facility can be ramped up once the traffic picks up, he added.