The State Government on Saturday entered into an agreement with technical consultant WAPCOS, a Government of India undertaking, 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 cost of `500 crore would be common 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,” according to a release issued by the State Government.
Both private players and major port trusts could participate in the bidding process, it said.
After completion of the feasibility study, the report would be submitted by March 15, 2014. The total cost of undertaking the work would be about Rs 1.40 crore.
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 is likely to develop the satellite port through joint venture with the State Government.