Dikhyaa Mohanty 
For the development of an all-weather ROPAX (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) Jetty and allied infrastructure in Odisha, the Union Ports, Shipping & Waterways Ministry has granted approval for sanction of Rs 50.30 crore.
According to the report this amount was sanctioned for the ROPAX which combines the Kaninali in Bhadrak with Talachua in Kendrapada under the Sagarmala initiative. The report further added that the total capital cost of the project is around 110.60 crore which also encompasses the construction of RO-PAX Jetty at KAninali and Talachua utility infrastructures that accommodates parking area development, navigational aids and dredging.
While the remaining amount will be funded by the Odisha Government and the project will decrease the travel time for the passengers from six hours by waterway. The development of the existing ghat with all-weather ROPAX jetties is being brought out with the purpose of accommodating boats, launches and other vessels as well as for plying of vessels having the capacity to carry 10 light motor vehicles, 20 motorbikes, along with 60 passengers at a time, together with guaranteeing the safety of all passengers and vehicles.
Pic Courtesy – Google
The project will facilitate indirect employment opportunities to locals around the Dhamra River and reduce the road distance of 200 km from Talachua to Dhamra.
As the Kaninali and Talachua are located on the northern and southern banks of river Dharmra so the people and the nearby villages largely depends upon the Dharma port which is approximately 4 KM from Kaninali Ghat for their daily livelihood.
But as there is no roadway for the connectivity the local population depends upon passenger ferries at Kaninali and Talachua ghats to cross the river, a stretch of 7 km. Right now some passengers face difficulty in embarking and disembarking from launches daily.
So this project will intensify the security of passengers and vehicles with the state of the art utility infrastructure. The connectivity will enhance commercial and business activities and uplift the socio-economic status of the neighbouring precinct.
Image Source – Google
