Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways’ Secretary, Sanjeev Ranjan called for expediting the widening of NH-53 (Paradip to Chandikhol) under the Gati Shakti plan.
According to the reports, while addressing the inaugural session of a workshop organised by the Paradip Port Trust in Bhubaneswar Ranjan stated that the widening of SH-12, Paradip to Cuttack to four lanes also may be undertaken on a priority basis. The PPT has the potential to be a world-class port by addressing the issues of efficiency and cost-related matters. Waterways can play a crucial role in effective logistics movement and the PPT’s proposed Riverine Port is the right step in that direction.
Further, Ranjan also suggested a dedicated heavy haul rail corridor from Salegaon to Paradip. IPICOL & IDCO, MD, Bhupinder Singh Poonia said that the Odisha government has set a target of 100 MMTA steel production. It is also stressing port-led industrialization. He said – “To boost connectivity, a 600 km road stretch is being planned. RITES has been engaged in making a comprehensive logistics study for the state of Odisha.”
The inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions — “Coastal movement of thermal coal – Opportunities & Challenges” and” Convergence & Divergence of logistic chain – Industrial perspective”.
