PPT pushes SPV for logistics hub

In a bid to build world-class transport facilities across the coastal belt, Paradip and Dhamra ports have joined hands to build the four-laning road to Dhamra. On this score, Dhamra port would be participating, along with Paradip port, in setting up a SPV for creating logistics for the Inland Waterways-5 to connect the coal belts with the ports. These ports along with Inland Waterways Authority and the state government would be partners in the project. Land acquisition is currently going on and the project is expected to get completed in 3-4 years. The Central government has plans to set up 12 coastal economic zones, out of which the government think-tank Niti Aayog plans to take up 2-3 projects initially, for which the port trusts are a leading contender. Both the ports at Dhamra as well as Paradip would be part of it as the main advantage is the close proximity of two major ports having deep draughts capable of handling Capesize vessels as pointed out by CEO, Niti Aayog, Amitabh Kant.