MoEF nod for Gopalpur port expansion

With this, the decks have been cleared for converting the fair-weather port to all-weather port.

It may be recalled that the state commerce and transport department had invited tenders for upgradation of the port following which GPL, a consortium of three companies, had entered into an agreement with the state government on September 14 2006 to develop the defunct seasonal port at an investment of about Rs 2500 crore in phases.

Later on October 30 2006, the port was handed over to the developer.

In the meantime, the state government furnished required documents to MoEF in 2009 seeking approval for the proposed expansions plans.

Now, with capacity enhancement, the port will be able to receive larger vessels as a result of which Gopalpur could emerge as new destination for maritime trade.