Government orders immediate transfer of Gopalpur port land

The Orissa government has issued an order to the state Revenue and Disaster Management department to take immediate steps to transfer 393.67 acre land to Gopalpur Port Limited (GPL), a consortium formed to develop the seasonal port at Gopalpur into an all-weather port.

“You are requested to take expeditious steps to issue fresh No Objection Certificate (NOC) for leasing out 393.67 acre of land, which stands in favour of Commerce and Transport department, in favour of GPL,” the letter sent to the revenue department said.

The issue of NOC will envisage hassle-free transfer of land to the company and in return, will help generate revenue for the state exchequer in terms of stamp duty, the letter added.

The Gopalpur port, located at the southeast coast of the state, initially started as a seasonal port under the state commerce and transport department. It was leased out to GPL, a consortium of three private companies in 2006. The project, entailing an investment of Rs 3,500 crore, would be implemented in phases, and would handle 54 million tonnes of cargo when completed. Following the exit of the Hong Kong-based Noble Group from the consortium last year, two companies, Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL) and Sara International Limited (SIL) will develop the port project.

Meanwhile, the state minister of commerce and transport Sanjeeb Sahu on on Thursday inaugurated the expansion work of the port project. The port developers have plans to finish the first phase work by the end of 2012. GPL claimed to have achieved financial closure of Rs 1,400 crore for the first stage expansion of the deep sea port with the signing of loan agreement with a consortium of 11 banks in July this year.