Subarnarekha port explained

Subarnarekha port
Other Name:Kirtania port
Settlement Type:Port
Pushpin Map:India Odisha#India
Pushpin Label Position:left
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Odissa, India
Coordinates:21.5612°N 87.3293°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: India
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Odisha
Subdivision Type2:District
Subdivision Name2:Balsore
Unit Pref:Metric
Elevation M:0
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone1:IST
Utc Offset1:+5:30

Subarnarekha port formerly known as Kirtania port is a deep-water, all-weather port proposed to be constructed at the mouth of Subarnarekha River in Balasore district in the Indian state of Odisha. The foundation stone for the port was laid in 2019.[1]

Background

For over 40 years there was only one major port in Odisha, at Paradip with less major ports at Gopalpur and Dhamra Port. That picture has changed dramatically in the past few years.[2]

Based on a study by IIT Madras, the Government of Odisha had identified 13 locations along the state's coast line as suitable for setting up of ports. Thereafter, in order to facilitate the setting up of new ports with participation of private parties the state government had formulated in 2004 a separate port policy.[3]

Apart from the Dhamra port, which is set to be operational by mid-2010, progress has been achieved in setting up three other ports – Kirtania port at Subarnarekha mouth, Astaranga port in Puri and Chudamani port in Bhadrak. After implementation of these projects, Odisha is expected to become the vital exit point for not only the state, but other land-locked states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.[4]

Geography

Kirtania is located at 21.5612°N 87.3293°W at Chaumukh village.

Port development

The Government of Odisha has signed a memorandum of understanding with Chennai-based Creative Port Development Pvt. Ltd. For the development of a deep-water, all-weather project at Kirtania at the mouth of the Subarnarekha. The Kirtania Port project was being taken up on a 50-year build, own, operate, share and transfer (boost) basis. The development would include a dedicated rail cum road connection from the port to the NH 5 and rail network at Jaleswar. The port will have an initial capacity to handle 10 million tonnes per year.[5] [6]

The work on the proposed port has been delayed because of a legal tussle between the promoters and venture capital investors of the company. The Promoter aggrieved by their Venture partners had filed an oppression & Mismanagement case under sec 397,398 & 402 of the Companies Act 1956 in the Company Law Board(CLB). The CLB has given a verdict in favour of the promoter shareholders. The Venture Capitalist has been ordered to exit from the Promoter's Company as well as Kirtania Port Project at a price of Rs. 52.50 Crore.[7] [6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Foundation stone laid for Subarnarekha port in Odisha . The Hindu . 12 February 2020 . en-IN . 14 February 2019.
  2. Web site: Orissa to become a State of ports . The Hindu Business Line, 14 December 2009 . 2010-04-27 .
  3. Web site: Port development likely to suffer . Business Standard, 30 December 2008 . 2010-04-27 .
  4. Web site: Dhamra port to be operational by mid-2010 . Statesman News Service . 2010-04-27 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101030192059/http://orissakhabar.in/2009/12/10/dhamra-port-to-be-operational-by-mid-2010/ . 2010-10-30 .
  5. Web site: Govt sign MOU to set up port in river Subarnarekha at Kirtania. 2010-04-24 .
  6. Web site: DEVELOPMENT OF PORT AT SUBARNAREKHA. 2010-04-24 .
  7. Web site: Work on Kirtania port may start soon . Business Standard, 18 July 009 . 2010-04-27 .