​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, November 3: Odisha is gearing up to strengthen inland waterway connectivity and accelerate industrial development through the proposed development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), Chief Secretary Anu Garg said on Tuesday.

A high-level meeting on the development of NW-5 was held in the presence of Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg and Vijay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. Representatives of various industries and State Government departments participated in the meeting.

Discussions focused on the proposed development of the 588-km-long National Waterway-5, which comprises two sections. The 332-km riverine section stretches from Talcher to Paradip/Dhamra and lies entirely within Odisha. The remaining 256-km canal section connects Dhamra in Odisha with Geonkhali in West Bengal.

The project is aimed at improving transportation connectivity for Odisha's mineral-rich and industrial belts while promoting port-led industrial development. It is currently in the approval stage.

The meeting reviewed pending issues requiring coordination between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Odisha Government. Discussions covered the State's role in project implementation and operation, maintenance of infrastructure, land acquisition and transfer for terminals and hydraulic structures.

Other key issues included ensuring adequate water availability to maintain the Least Available Depth (LAD), development of the Khalpal Navigational Lock, statutory clearances, construction and dismantling of bridges, last-mile road connectivity and shifting of high-tension and low-tension power lines.

The meeting also discussed several major upcoming infrastructure projects, including the Bahuda Muhan Port, the proposed Shipbuilding Cluster in Kendrapara district and a Cruise Terminal at Puri.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg assured the Union Government and stakeholders of all necessary support from the Odisha Government to ensure the timely implementation of the State's portion of NW-5. She also reaffirmed the State's commitment to advancing other key projects aimed at strengthening industrial growth and promoting cruise tourism in Odisha.