BHADRAK: Dhamra that featured in the international defence map for housing a strategic missile test facility at Abdul Kalam Island will soon become a thriving industrial hub.
Talking to 'The New Indian Express' Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan said a number of investors have envisaged interest to set up their manufacturing plants. It is envisioned as an economic hub for port based manufacturing enterprises, he said.
Dhamra is identified as one of the three key manufacturing hubs along with Kalinganagar and Paradip. A master plan and the detailed project report are being prepared for a port based manufacturing zone here.
“There are plans for a tea processing plant, marine food and vegetable processing units besides a number of manufacturing units for plastic and ceremic products. Adani Group will develop infrastructure in the special economic zone for the investors. It would not only boost the economy of the State but provide a lot of job opportunities for the youths of the region,” Pradhan said.
Once completed, the Minister said, Dhamra LNG terminal and Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline (JHBDPL) project cumulatively are expected to bring investments to the tune of Rs 51,000 crore into the economy of eastern India.
“Of this, about Rs 13,000 crore will be spent on JHBDPL pipeline infrastructure, Rs 6,000 crore on CGD projects in seven cities, Rs 6,000 crore on Dhamra LNG terminal and Rs 26,000 crore on the revival of Gorakhpur, Barauni, Sindri and Talcher fertiliser plants,” he added.
Appreciating the potential that the State is bestowed with, CEO of Adani Port and SEZ Ltd Karan Adani said Rs 12,000 crore will be invested in next five years to develop infrastructure in the 2,000 acre SEZ. Dhamra port is one of the deepest ports in the country with a draught of at least 18 meter, he said.
Last year, Dhamra port had handled 22 MMT (million metric tonne) of cargo and this year it is expected to touch 25 MMT. While it has four berths having a total capacity of 45 MMT besides a barge berth of 5 MMT capacity, another exclusive berth for the LNG terminal will be built.
Chief executive officer of Dhamra Port Subrat Tripathy said Dhamra has the potential to be developed as an industrial hub having a variety of units on fisheries, food processing, edible oil, steel and other sectors. The units will add to cargo handling capacity and value to the port, he said.