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The Odisha government recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) to develop and operate two national waterways NW-5 and NW-64 with a total investment of INR 12,200 crore. The project aims to enable coal and other bulk cargo movement from the Talcher coalfields to Paradip and Dhamra ports via inland waterways. It will be implemented through a Special Purpose Vehicle, the Inland Waterways Consortium of Odisha Ltd (IWCOL), with IWAI responsible for preparatory work, infrastructure, and statutory clearances. The agreement is expected to reduce logistics costs, ease pressure on roads and railways and promote environmentally friendly transport.
The Odisha government has entered into an MoU with IWAI, PPA and MCL for the development and operation of two national waterways: Northwest Waterway 5 (NW-5) and Northwest Waterway 64 (NW-64). This agreement was signed during the India Maritime Week-2025 event in Mumbai. Advertisement
The project involves an estimated investment of INR 12,200 crore and targets transporting coal and other bulk cargo from the Talcher coalfields to the Paradip and Dhamra ports via inland waterways.
NW-5 traverses Odisha and parts of West Bengal, linking the Talcher-Dhamra stretch of the Brahmani river, the Matai river, the East Coast Canal and the Mahanadi delta. NW-64 covers the stretch on the Mahanadi river from Paradip to Cuttack.
Implementation will be handled by the newly formed IWCOL, a Special Purpose Vehicle created for this purpose. IWAI will lead planning, seek statutory clearances and develop key infrastructure including terminals, barrages and navigation systems.
From the Odisha government's side, land that is free of encumbrances will be provided and administrative support extended. MCL will ensure there is assured cargo movement and first-mile connectivity, while PPA will back cargo handling and support the modal shift from road/rail to waterways.
This move builds on earlier declarations and planning for the waterways. For instance, NW-5 has been listed by IWAI as a national waterway since 2008, and its development has been flagged as a priority for enabling cargo such as coal, fertilisers, cement and industrial goods along the Talcher-Dhamra route.
By integrating the riverine system into the freight transport network, Odisha positions itself to better support industrial growth, logistics efficiency and regional economic development.
Source PTI
5th Jun, 2025
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