Gopalpur port all set to start cargo handling next year
The first phase of Gopalpur Port, being constructed at Arjipalli near Chhatrapur in Ganjam district, will be completed by March next year, said officials of Gopalpur Port Limited (GPL), which is constructing the facility, deemed to be a major port in the state, Daily Shipping Times reports.
"The work is under progress and all efforts are being made to commence cargo handling by March 30, 2013," said one of the directors of the GPL Mr. M M Moharana.
The cargo handling capacity of the port will be around 3.5 million tonnes with the construction of one berth initially, he said. The GPL will construct three berths for coal, iron and multipurpose cargo in the same year, he added. Work to develop supporting infrastructure like power distribution system, railway and road connectivity is also underway to meet the deadline, Mr. Moharana said.
He, however, said the construction work was hampered due to frequent agitation by some people, who have been allegedly creating a fear psychosis on the port premises.
The GPL was awarded by the State Government for undertaking the development of the all-weather port with an investment of around INR 1,700 crore in 2008. "We have already invested around INR 320 crore in the project," Mr. Mohrana said.