Iffco plant in Paradip

Paradip, Nov. 2: An all-weather jetty to maintain waterway link between Paradip port and the adjoining coastal pockets is coming up along the Mahanadi river here for hassle-free handling of fertiliser and its by-products.

Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (Iffco) has planned to bring up the jetty near its plant as goods transportation by rail and road has become a cumbersome process. The Rs 125-crore project will reduce the transportation cost, and in the process, help bring down the fertiliser cost, said an official.

The company has submitted a detailed project report of the jetty to the pollution control board, environment impact assessment body and the Odisha transport authorities. “We are awaiting government clearance for the speedy commissioning of the project.”

“Our aim is to minimise the fertiliser price in a state such as Odisha, which is principally regulated by agro-based economy. The proposed jetty will have six lakh tonne capacity per annum. With its commissioning, there will be waterway transport of fertiliser to specific coastal pockets, which are inaccessible either by rail or road,” said senior general manager of Iffco (Paradip) S.K. Gandhi.

“At present, the manufactured produce makes its way to the port for export either through road and rail. But, it has become costlier. Besides, road transport has become less dependable for frequent traffic jams and unionisation of the transport sector. So, we have decided to take recourse to waterway transport by way of jetty,” he said.

“Construction of the jetty will get under way after the technical formalities are over. We are ready with Rs 125 crore investment for the project.”

The authorities have also taken up the work to rebuild the silo fertiliser storage tower following experts’ advice. On February 20, the structure caved in, injuring 23 workers.

“The new structure, being built for Rs 100 crore, is in full swing. With better design, improved material and new pile foundation it is expected to be over by January 2013,” Gandhi said.