Following is an excerpt from an Economic Times report on this topic.

“The latest proposal came today from Kolkata-based Shyam-Century Group of Industries,” said Transport Secretary Priyabrata Patnaik here.

He said the company had proposed to develop a 14 million tonne cargo handling capacity all-weather port at Bali-Harichandi near Puri town and close to Chilika Lake.

The sources said, the company which presented its proposal before Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and other senior officials, pointed out that it would develop the port with an investment of Rs 1900 crore.

In first phase, the company planned to start with 3 mt capacity and two berths for the purpose.

Orissa government, the sources said, asked the company to submit a detailed project report (DPR) on the proposed port.

Prior to this, a Hyderabad-based company has shown interest in setting up a port at Astarang near Konark in Puri district.

“The firm also submitted its preliminary report with the state government. Both the proposals will be processed before the government finally accepts their proposal,” said Transport Department Special Secretary P K Mishra.