Ganjam: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today inaugurated the new berth at Gopalpur Port built at a cost of Rs 2,000 crore to increase the port's capacity to 20 million metric tonne from five million metric tonne.
During his visit to the Ganjam district, Patnaik also laid foundation stone for development and expansion of Harabhangi irrigation project at a cost of Rs 172 crore. Sources said the project will provide irrigation facilities to 3763 hectare of arable land in 32 villages.
Besides, the Chief Minister laid foundation stones for 24 piped water supply projects in four blocks of Sheragada, Hinjli, Dharakote and Sanakhemundi.
“As many as 8,000 people will get employment with the increase in capacity at the Gopalpur port. This will boost business and economy in the area,” said Nrusingha Charan Sahu, Transport Minister.
“Gopalpur Port is expanding its capacity to 20 MT all-weather operations in this phase with an overall vision of 55MT by 2025. Shapoorji Pallonji Groups’ ports business will now operate on both sides of the Indian coast providing strategic logistical advantages to its customers,” said Shapoorji Pallonji Port’s Managing Director Amit Saboo.