The Gopalpur Port, which has been out of operation after being hit by the Cylone Phailin in 2013, would resume cargo handling by August this year, informed Commerce and Transport Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi.
“Apart from Centre-run mega Paradip Port, two other ports, Dhamra Port and Gopalpur Port, are functioning on commercial purpose in the State. However, reconstruction work is going on in the Gopalpur Port as it was affected by the Cyclone Phailin. It would resume by August,” the Minister informed the State Assembly on Saturday in his reply to a question put by BJD member Dr Ramesh Chandra Chyau Patnaik.
Majhi further informed that while iron ore is being exported though the Dhamra Port in Bhadrak district, coal and limestone are the two main minerals being imported though this port. Increasing numbers of ships from three countries, Indonesia, Australia and South Africa have been coming to this port since it started cargo handling in the year 2011-12. While 83 vessels had docked in 2011-12, the number increased to 119 by December 2014 in the current fiscal. Similarly, only one ship had exported iron ore to China in 2011-12 and the number has been increased to 32 by December 2014 during the current financial year. The port has also started importing iron ore during the current year, informed the Minister.
The Minister said the Gopalpur Port had handled over 11.17 lakh metric tonne of cargo till it was hit by Phailin during 2013-14. Mainly, ilmenite, iron ore and rice are exported and urea, MOP and rock phosphate are imported though this port, said the Minister.