MV Bhupen Hazarika in Odisha: Poignant emblem of neglect!

The MV Bhupen Hazarika, anchored along the banks of the Baitarani River in the Bhadrak district, serves as a poignant emblem of unfulfilled ventures in regional maritime transport. Crores of rupees are being wasted due to the apathetic attitude of officials as it awaits a decision from the authorities concerned, sources said on Tuesday.

Also Read: Two containers of sunken ship 'MV ITT Puma' wash ashore on Odisha beach

Designed as an integral part of the Sagarmala project–a government initiative aimed at boosting the maritime sector–this Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) ferry was intended to bridge the districts of Bhadrak and Kendrapara by facilitating water transport. However, its potential remains untapped, eliciting discontent among locals.

Initially, the ferry was crafted to sail the Brahmaputra River in Assam, honouring cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika after whom it is named. Yet, due to an oversupply of vessels in Assam, it found itself redirected to Kolkata’s Babughat and eventually to Dhamra in Odisha in 2020, with plans to connect Chandnipal in Dhamra and Talchua in Kendrapara.

Unfortunately, formidable coastal tides and waves have hindered operations, leaving the ferry idling for more than four years.

The magnificent and costly ferry’s specifications are noteworthy; it measures 46 metres, weighs approximately 200 tonnes, and has the capacity to transport up to 40 motorcycles, three cars, and nearly 50 passengers at a time.

Despite its ambitious scope, the MV Bhupen Hazarika has languished, losing much of its value from Rs 18.83 Crore to an estimated Rs 5 Crore due to its prolonged inactivity and lack of maintenance.

Numerous official letters–11 in total–have been dispatched so far by transport authorities to both the State and Central governments in a bid for a resolution, yet there has reportedly been no response. Budgetary constraints have led to workforce reductions, exacerbating the vessel’s deteriorating condition, with rust affecting its hull and mechanical issues proliferating.

Prospective repairs at Paradip Port were suggested and debated nearly a year ago but have yet to materialise, leaving the community’s growing frustration unaddressed.

Must Read: Black Rose sinking: Orissa High Court seeks info on petitioner who demanded CBI probe

“Operation of the vessel is to be handed over to another contract firm. We are trying to ply it temporarily between Dhamra and Talchua,” Ports and Inland Water Transport Department official, Harekrushna Sahu said.

Notably, the saga of MV Bhupen Hazarika stands as a stark reminder of the gap between ambition and implementation within India’s transport infrastructure.

Reported By: Trilochan Sahoo