Railways to complete Barpali-Jharsuguda coal link by 2016

The Ministry of Railways is planning to fast track three coal link projects, pending since 1999, following a push from the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh-headed Cabinet Committee on Investment pushing for fast-tracking of projects.

The three rail corridors, which include Tori-Shivpuri-Kathotia in North Karanpura, Jharkhand; Bhupdeopur-Korichhaapar to Mand Raigadh mines in Chhattisgarh and Barpali-Jharsuguda in IB Valley, Odisha, are to be completed by December 2016.

The lines in Odisha and Jharkhand are fully funded by Coal India, while the one in Chhattisgarh would be set up through a joint venture. After completion of these coal corridors, these lines would facilitate around 250-300 million tonnes of coal movement every year.

Consultant appointed for Reverine Port Project in Odisha

The Odisha government’s proposed riverine project in the state has got a major facelift with the appointment of a WAPCOS, the consultant for preparation of feasibility report.

The Kolkata based consultant Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS) and the state government have signed an agreement for the purpose. The consultant will conduct a feasibility study for the riverine port project.

The project entailing an investment of Rs 500 crore will be awarded through competitive bidding route. The project will be likely to coming up at the Mahanadi river mouth near Paradip, close to the plants of Essar Steel Odisha and Indian Farmers Fertilisers Cooperative and will be used as a common port for several industries.