States » EastPosted at: Nov 3 2026 9:43PM


National Waterway-5 set to boost Odisha’s industrial growth, inland water connectivity

Bhubaneswar, Nov 3 (UNI) Odisha is set to strengthen its inland water transport network and accelerate port-led industrial development with the proposed development of National Waterway-5 (NW-5), a 588-km-long waterway connecting key industrial and mineral-rich regions of the state with major ports and waterways in eastern India.
The development of NW-5 was discussed at a high-level meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, 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, secretaries of different state government departments and senior officials attended the meeting.
The meeting focused on the proposed development of the 588-km-long National Waterway-5, with detailed discussions and exchange of views among industry representatives and government officials.
The waterway has two major sections. The first, known as the Riverine Section, stretches 332 km from Talcher to Paradip/Dhamra and lies entirely within Odisha. The second, called the Canal Section, extends approximately 256 km from Dhamra in Odisha to Geonkhali in West Bengal.
The development of NW-5 is considered a significant initiative to strengthen inland water connectivity across Odisha's mineral-rich and industrial belts while promoting port-based industries and providing an alternative mode of transportation for cargo movement. The project is currently under the approval process.
During the meeting, officials held detailed discussions on various aspects of the project and emphasised the need to resolve pending issues requiring coordination between the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Odisha Government.
Key issues discussed included the state's participation in project implementation and management, maintenance of assets, land acquisition and transfer of land for terminals and structures required for water-flow regulation.
The meeting also deliberated on maintaining the minimum required navigational depth along the waterway, drainage arrangements, development of navigational locks, statutory clearances, construction and removal of bridges, road connectivity and the relocation of high- and low-voltage electricity transmission lines.
In addition to NW-5, the meeting reviewed the development prospects of several other major maritime and tourism-related projects, including Bahuda Mouth Port, a shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapara district and a cruise terminal at Puri.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg assured that the state government would extend all necessary support to ensure the timely implementation of the Odisha stretch of NW-5 and other key projects.
She underscored the importance of these initiatives in strengthening Odisha's industrial growth, improving maritime infrastructure and expanding cruise tourism in the state.
UNI DP
Tags: #National Waterway-5 set to boost Odisha’s industrial growth# inland water connectivity
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