The Indian government is advancing efforts to enhance cargo transport and river cruise tourism in Odisha by developing six inland waterways, a move aimed at bolstering the state’s maritime infrastructure. The announcement came on Tuesday, March 25, as the Parliament was briefed on the ongoing initiatives.
In a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, detailed the major projects being implemented by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in Odisha.
According to Sonowal, the Centre has undertaken the development of six designated National Waterways (NWs) in the state, including the Brahmani & Mahanadi Delta and East Coast Canal (NW-5), Baitarni River (NW-14), Birupa River-Badi Genguti-Brahmani River System (NW-22), Buddha Balanga River (NW-23), Mahanadi River (NW-64), and Subarnarekha River (NW-96). These projects aim to facilitate both cargo transport and river-based tourism.
The minister emphasized that the Centre is investing in critical water infrastructure, including the modernization of ports, construction of terminals, establishment of docking facilities, and enhancement of navigation systems. Key developments include:
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Upgrading NW-5 to support coal transportation from the Talcher coalfields and its linkage to the Pankapal Industrial region.
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Establishing a jetty on the Baitarni River (NW-14) to promote river cruise tourism around the Bhitarkanika Forest.
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Developing a cruise route along the Birupa-Badi Genguti-Brahmani River System (NW-22), connecting the Diamond Triangle of the Ratnagiri-Udayagiri-Lalitgiri Buddhist heritage sites.
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Launching a river cruise on the Buddha Balanga River (NW-23), linking Hidden Beach (Chandipur) to Balasore city.
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Enhancing the Mahanadi River (NW-64) into a Class-VII standard waterway, enabling 2,000 DWT vessels, and installing navigational aids along with passenger jetties at Bahakud-Musadia for ferry services.
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Establishing a river cruise route along the Subarnarekha River (NW-96), connecting Panteighat to Bichitrapur Mangroves, Bhusandeswara Temple—home to Asia’s largest Shivlingam—and Digha Sea Beach in West Bengal, with floating jetties at each location.
Regarding Chilika Lake, Sonowal noted that its development falls under the jurisdiction of the Odisha government. However, he stated that if the state authorities seek technical support, the IWAI is prepared to provide assistance.
