Odisha sets June'19 target to complete Gopalpur Port's first phase

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has set a target of completing the first phase of construction work for Gopalpur port by June 2019, an official release said.

At a review meeting held recently, Chief Secretary AP Padhi reviewed the progress of port projects in the state with concerned officials and coastal district collectors. The project proponents were also presented in the meeting, the release said.

The Gopalpur port is seeking to strengthen existing berths and construct two new ones by March, 2019. A target was also set in the meeting to complement the dredging up to 15 meters by June, 2019.

The Gopalpur port commenced operation on March 29, 2013, but was subsequently shut down because of the damage caused by the cyclone 'Phailin'.

After repairs, the port has again started operations from December 8, 2015 and since then has handled cargo volume of around 2 million tonnes.

Issues relating to various statutory clearances and land acquisition were also discussed in the meeting, Commerce and transport secretary G Srinivas was quoted as saying in the release.