Odisha’s first riverine jetty inaugurated by Union shipping minister Sarbanand Sonowal

 By Pravakara Sahoo

Paradip, April 25:  Union Minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday inaugurated Odisha’s first ever riverine jetty at Paradip in the presence of state transport minister Padmanabha Behera and water resources minister Raghunandan Das.

Inaugurating the riverine jetty, the minister said that Paradip would be one of the best destinations for maritime trade and forge better exim (export and  import) relations with the neighbouring countries.

“The riverine jetty will open up a new dimension to the transport sector with the use of multi-modal transport system. This will also help boost the country’s economy in multiple ways by lowering the load on roadways and railways and by using a lower emission mode.  This will further help the industries interested in the utilization of the gypsum as a raw material,” said the minister.

Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) Ltd, a leading fertilizer firm in the country, has started the riverine jetty to explore the possibility of using waterways as a feasible mode of transport.

The jetty was conceptualized by Orissa Stevedores Ltd (OSL), a reputed company in the fields of shipping, mining and in-plant operations, which was also given the responsibility for developing and operating the same.

On February 25, 2021, OSL has entered into an MOU with Paradip Port Authority and IFFCO for development and operation of the jetty.

 OSL has achieved this unique feat by redeveloping riverine operations in Odisha after almost a century. Currently, the jetty can accommodate vessels up to 2200 DWT. It plans to develop and expand the facilities to accommodate larger vessels, which can  directly cater to neighbouring countries.

 “OSL believes that Odisha’s vast river network offers ample opportunities for the trade and commerce in the state which would not only help ease congestion on roads but also reduce carbon footprint, making it one of the most eco-friendly ways of transportation,” said Shri Mahimananda Mishra, Managing Director and Chairman OSL Group, on the august occasion.

Among others, top management authorities of the Paradeep Port, IFFCO and OSL were also present on the notable occasion.