NEW DELHI, The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has accorded administrative approval for sanction of Rs 50.30 crore for developing all-weather ROPAX (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger)Jetty and allied infrastructure connecting Kaninali in Bhadrak district and Talachua in Kendrapara district, Odisha under the Sagarmala initiative. The Government of Odisha will fund another 50% cost of the project.

It is pertinent to note that the total capital cost of the project is Rs 110.60 crore which includes the construction of RO-PAX Jetty at Kaninali and Talachua, utility infrastructures such as parking area development, navigational aids and dredging. The Odisha government will fund the remaining cost

The development of the existing ghat with all-weather ROPAX jetties is being carried out with the intent of accommodating boats, launches and other vessels as well as to ply vessel having capacity to carry 10 light Motor vehicles, 20 Motorbikes along with 60 passengers at a time, simultaneously ensuring safety of all passengers and vehicles.

This project will reduce travel time for passengers from 6 hours by road to an hour by waterway. The project will facilitate indirect employment opportunities to locals around Dhamra river and reduce the road distance of 200 km from Talachua to Dhamra, a ministry statement said.

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