Odisha gets second largest port, Dhamra port inaugurated

By Nalini Sahu

Dhamra, Dec. 18: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday inaugurated the Rs 3,500-crore all-weather Dhamra port in Bhadrak district, nearly 200 km from here.

Built on Build, Own, Operate, Share and Transfer (BOOST) basis by the Dhamra Port Company Limited, a 50:50 joint venture of the L & T and Tata Steel, Dhamra Port happens to the second largest port in the state after the Paradip Port.

The first phase capacity of the port is 12-million tonnes per annum for import of coal/limestone and export of 6.5 MT of iron ore with fully mechanized berths with 350-metre each. According to DPCL master-plan, the port can go up to 13 berths after full-fledged expansion.

With its 18-km long channel with a draught of 17.5 metre, the port is capable of handling cape size vessels up to 1, 80,000DWT.

The DPCL has constructed a single-rail track from Dhamra to Bhadrak on the main Howrarh-Chennai line for transportation of cargo.

Capable of handling more than 100MT bulk cargo, break bulk and containerized cargo, DPCL has acquired 125-metre corridor from Dhamra to Bhadrak which can accommodate four rail tracks and one four-lane road, apart from service lines, said DPCL chief executive officer (CEO) Santosh Mohapatra.

The DPCL enjoys a concession period of 34 years including the 4 years of construction period which can be extended to additional periods of 10 years each.

Addressing the inaugural function, chief minister Mr Patnaik said Dhamra Port would act as catalyst for Odisha’’s infrastructure development and economic prosperity. Referring to the long-history of maritime activities in the area, he said Dhamra had got back its past glory with the functioning of the second port in the state.

The port, commissioned in a record time, has adopted all sophisticated and modern technology which makes Dhamra Port one of the most cost-effective and efficient ports in the eastern India.

Odisha transport and commerce secretary Sanjeeb Sahoo, tourism and culture minister Prafulla Samal, Bhadrak Lok Sabha MP Arjun Sethi, local legislators, Union shipping secretary K Mohandas, chief secretary B.K. Patnaik were among other present at the function.