Following is an excerpt from a report in Pioneer.

Though there are 12 potential port locations on the coast-line, the State Government is not in a hurry to develop these ports. It would take appropriate decisions for development of the proposed ports in Public-Private-Participation mode only after preparation of the feasibility report.

… According to official sources, apart from the ongoing ports – Dhamara and Gopalpur – there are at least 12 potential port locations on the coast line. They are Bahuda Muhan in Ganjam, Baliharchandi, Astaranga, Jatadhari Muhan, Barunei Muhan, Chudamani, Incudi, Chandipur, Bahabalpur, Subarnarekha Mouth (Kirtania) and Bichitrapur.

While the decision to develop Chudamani and Astaranga ports has already been taken, land acquisition for development of the Subarnarekha port was under consideration of the Board of Revenue. Environment and other related clearances of this proposed port are in the final stage.

Of other proposed nine ports, it was decided to prepare feasibility report in each case before entering into any deal with private investors for developing them on BOOST, though a number of private promoters have evinced interest, the sources said.

The sources said that the Dhamara Port has already been completed at an estimated investment of Rs 3,239 crore and the railway line is already operational. …

On Gopalpur Port being operated by private developer Gopalpur Ports Limited, the sources said the completion of the all-weather port would be done at an estimated cost of Rs 1212.55 crore. It was decided to set up a fishing jetty at Gopalpur and to provide ID cards to 5,000 fishermen.

With the completion of Gopalpur port, as many as 4,888 direct and 1,000 indirect employments potential would be created, the sources said.