The Gopalpur Ports limited celebrated re-commissioning of multiple-berths facility at a function held near village Arjipalli in Chhatrapur here in Ganjam district on Saturday. The maiden shipment was welcomed to its berth.

State Minister of Commerce and Transport Ramesh Chandra Majhi inaugurated the ceremony while Brahmapur MP Sidhanta Mahapatra, Chhatrapur MlA Dr Priyansu Pradhan, Brahmapur MlA Dr Ramesh Chandra Chyau Pattnaik, Khallikote MlA Purnna Chandra Sethi, Jeypore MlA Tara Prasad Bahinipati and Sanakhemundi ex-MlA Ramesh Chandra Jena were among guests of honour.

The Gopalpur Port is one of the most environment-friendly ports. The work of this port was initiated in 1980, but consequent upon the last cyclone Phailin in 2013 followed by Hudhud in 2014, the work of the port was virtually was stopped. Strategically located between Paradip and Visakhapatnam, the port has been developed on a four-km stretch of coastline and is well connected by both road and rail.

Speaking on the occasion, Gopalpur Ports limited Managing Director Mahimananda Mishra said the port has adequate stack yard space for storage of bulk and break-bulk cargoes and is planned with provision for upgradation as per the traffic growth. Besides the open stack yards, there are 15 covered sheds with a total area of 12,000 sqm for storage of break-bulk cargoes.

In the coming days, this port would serve the minerals-rich hinterland of Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, and the port facilities are being developed in three phases to provide the lowest cost with most efficient option for users, Mishra said.

Currently, the port has one multipurpose berth with semi-mechanised handling facilities giving versatility in handling all types of cargo, be it import or export, he added.

The speakers said the Gopalpur Port is at the threshold of being a new gateway to the east coast of India, and from this day it has acquired the status of an all-weather port.