Aditya Birla Group signs MoU to develop captive port at Chudamani

The Aditya Birla group on Thursday signed a MoU with Odisha government to develop a sea port on Build Own Operate [BOO] basis Bhadrak at Chudamani in district on an investment of Rs.1,500 crore.
The projected capacity of the port to be developed over four years will be three million tons per annum [MTPA] in the first phase. This will be expanded subsequently to 10 mtpa.

The port will have two berths, and will handle bulk cargo such as cement, aluminium, iron ore, thermal coal, limestone, gypsum, clinker and copper. The port will be connected by a rail corridor from Markona Station to port site.

Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, who was present during the MoU signing ceremony at the secretariat, said, "In this port, directly or indirectly, about 5,000 people will be employed. By operation of the port, the state government will get revenue about Rs.20 crore per annum."

Mr Patanik hoped that the port promoter would work with the district administration and other agencies to plan and develop a port-based industrial township. "By this maximum multiplier effect for a balanced regional and social growth can be achieved", he remarked.

Speaking on the occasion, Aditya Birla group executive president, Ravi Kastia said, "This is yet another milestone for us. I believe that the Chudamani Port Project will act as a catalyst in deepening cooperation and exploring new developmental activities by the Aditya Birla Group in Odisha, Our endeavor is to build a truly world class port in its category. We are confident that the Aditya Birla Group’s experience in putting up as many as six port facilities in the Western Coast, backed by the unstinting support of the Government of Odisha, will help us create a much required port in the state."

The MoU was signed by commerce secretary, P K Jena and Chudamini Port chief exeucive officer, M.Murlidharan on behalf of the state government and the Company respectively.

Source:The Economic Times