The Odisha government today entered into an agreement with technical consultant WAPCOS to carry out a feasibility study to set up the state's first riverine port in the Mahanadi near Paradip.
The port to be developed in public private partnership (PPP) at an estimated to cost of Rs 500 crore would be a common one for different industries.
"If found technically feasible and financially viable, the project will be awarded to the successful bidder selected through a competitive bidding process," an official of the commerce and transport department said.
Both private players and major port trusts could participate in the bidding process, he said.
After completion of the feasibility study the report would be submitted by March 15, 2014.
The total cost of the undertaking the work would be about Rs 1.40 crore, he said.
Meanwhile, the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) has shown interest in setting up a satellite port and identified Bahuda Muhan near Gopalpur as a suitable location.
PPT was likely to develop the satellite port through joint venture with the state government.