The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has accorded administrative approval for sanction of Rs 50.30 crore for developing all-weather roll-on/roll-off passenger (ROPAX) jetty and allied infrastructure connecting Kaninali in Bhadrak district and Talachua in Kendrapara district, Odisha, under the Sagarmala initiative.
The government of Odisha will fund another 50 percent cost of the project.
The total capital cost of the project is Rs 110.60 crore which includes construction of ROPAX jetty at Kaninali and Talachua, utility infrastructures such as parking area development, navigational aids and dredging. This project will reduce travel time for passengers from six hours by road to one hour by waterway.
The development of the existing ghat with all-weather ROPAX jetties is being carried out with intent of accommodating boats, launches and other vessels as well as to ply vessels having capacity to carry 10 light motor vehicles, 20 motorbikes along with 60 passengers at a time, simultaneously ensuring safety of all passengers and vehicles.
The project will facilitate indirect employment opportunities to locals around Dhamra river and reduce road distance of around 200 km from Talachua to Dhamra.