IWAI IN ODISHA
Development of NW5 and NW64 in Odisha:
- National Waterway-5 (NW-5) in Mahanadi / Brahmani delta, Matai River & East Coast Canal (ECC) was declared as a NW in November 2008 for total length of about 588 Km. The lengthwise distribution of NW-5 in 3 different stretches, as per the DPR is given below:
(i) Stretch I : Talcher to Mangalgadi : 237 Km
(ii) Stretch II : Dhamra to Paradip : 95 Km
(iii) Stretch III : Dhamra to Geonkhali : 256 Km
Total : 588 Km
Index map is attached below:
- Based on the feasibility studies conducted and DPR submitted in 2016 and also keeping in view the potential of cargo movements as emanated through various studies, it was decided to initially develop 332 Km of economically & commercially viable stretches of NW-5 between Paradip / Dhamra and Talcher in following 2 phases and balance length of the waterway from Dhamra to Geonkhali is not considered feasible for development:
- Phase-I : Between Paradip / Dhamra and Pankapal : 212 Km.
- Phase-II : Pankapal to Talcher : 120 Km
- An Expression of Interest (EoI) for Business proposal for Operationalization of select stretches of NW-5 and NW- 64 in Odisha on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer basis" was published for participating of bidders. Only single conditional proposal is received. Parallely, IWAI has engaged a Transaction advisor(KPMG) for finalizing the concessionaire and suitable model of development and operationalization of select stretches of NW-5 and NW-64. The work is in progress.
- Meanwhile, Ministry of Coal (MoC) approached MoPSW and IWAI for framing a long term plan on RSR movement. IWT is an alternative for coal evacuation as the rail/road congestion is hampering the coal evacuation. A meeting of CoS for promotion of coal transportation by coastal shipping held on 21.06.2023 and presentations were made by the Ministry of Coal and IWAI which highlighted the need to form an SPV with stakeholders.
- Subsequently directives were issued to IWAI for completing all preparatory works for executing projects for coal transportation using Inland Water Transport in a time-bound manner, formulate a detailed proposal, in consultation with stakeholders, and seek requisite approvals. Pursuant to directives of CoS the following actions has been taken
- Formation of SPV
- The Project is proposed to be implemented by way of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), wherein the proposed shareholders of the SPV shall be Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Coal India Limited (CIL), Paradip Port, and the Odisha government. The Project is expected to be implemented at a Project Cost of ~ Rs 12,000 Cr proposed to be funded through a mix of Debt & Equity.
- Further after receipt of DPR of Phase-2, the financial model will be prepared
- STUDIES
- VETTING OF CROSS STRUCTURES OF PHASE-1
Based on the recommendation of DPR prepared by WAPCOS, the mathematical modelling of the Phase-1 was undertaken by IIT, Guwahati. IIT Guwahati has confirmed that the water can be impounded through barrages at 5 locations and check dams at 2 locations
The work has been completed by NTCPWC, the signed copies of the vetting report has been received through Tractebel today i.e. 27.03.2024.
- Preparation of DPR/TEFR for Phase-2
The work for preparation of TEFR/DPR for Phase-II of NW-5 has been awarded to NTCPWC, IIT Madras on 28.08.2024. The interim report has been submitted on 08.01.2024. The cost is being further rationalized and the final report is likely to be received soon.
- Studies on the modification of existing cross structures / bridges – 9 nos – The work for rehabilitation of bridges having low horizontal/vertical clearance was awarded to M/s SM Consultants and has been completed in June 2020.
- Other works in NW-5
- Shifting / Relocation of HT / LT Power lines entrusted with Govt. of Odisha on deposit basis at a cost of Rs.45.01 crore is in progress and expected to be completed by Mar., 2024.
- Monthly Thalweg survey- is being conducted through third party.
- Installation of navigational buoys in NW-64- The work for installation of navigational buoys will be installed by October 2024.
- Road Map & Model :
The work for the development of NW5 and NW64 in Odisha is in fast-track mode since the formation/ constitution of SPV is in the final phase. The consultancy services by Transaction Advisor and NTCPWC (IIT-M) is also working in fast-track mode and a suitable concessionaire may be selected in due course.