Bhubaneswar/Mumbai, October 30: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Government of Odisha, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) for the development and operationalisation of National Waterways–5 (NW–5) and National Waterways–64 (NW–64).
The agreement, signed during India Maritime 2025 being held in NESCO Ground in Mumbai, marks a major step towards harnessing Odisha’s riverine system for sustainable freight movement and regional economic growth.
The project, with an estimated investment of Rs 12,200 crore, aims to facilitate seamless transportation of coal and other bulk cargo from Talcher coalfields to Paradip and Dhamra ports through inland waterways.
This initiative will help reduce logistics costs, decongest road and rail networks, and promote environment-friendly transportation, aligning with the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
The project will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle — Inland Waterways Consortium of Odisha Limited (IWCOL). IWAI will lead the preparation of project proposals, obtain statutory clearances, and develop critical infrastructure including terminals, barrages, and navigation systems.
The Government of Odisha will provide encumbrance-free land, facilitate clearances, and extend administrative support. MCL will ensure assured cargo movement and first-mile connectivity, while Paradip Port Authority will promote cargo handling and encourage modal shift to inland waterways.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shantanu Thakur.
On behalf of the Government of Odisha, Commerce and Transport Secretary Usha Padhee signed the agreement.
This collaborative effort sets the course for an integrated and sustainable inland water transport network in Odisha, paving the way for industrial growth, employment generation, and enhanced logistics efficiency across eastern India.
