Decks cleared for hi-tech shipyard in Balasore district

BHUBANESWAR: The Apeejay Surrendra Group and Bharati Shipyard Limited will jointly establish a ultra modern ship manufacturing unit at Charidiha near Dhamra mouth in Balasore district of the State.

A memorandum of understanding in this regard will be signed between the joint venture company and the State Government next month.

The proposal for the setting up of the shipbuilding factory was given a formal shape when Chairman of the Apeejay Surrendra Group Karan Paul met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Secretariat here on Thursday.

The project would be implemented at a cost of Rs. 2,200 crore. Apart from manufacturing ships, the factory will also have facility for repair of ships. The venture would be first such private venture in eastern India, the State government said.

Construction work on the factory would commence in mid-2008. The project would be implemented in three phases to be commissioned by end of 2013. As shipbuilding facilities are labour-intensive projects, it would create employment for 41,000 people both directly and indirectly. The company would also open a research and design institute in the State Capital to impart training to the local people who would be provided employment in the proposed factory. The company will also set up a Knowledge Park at Bhubaneswar. A vocational training centre would be set up at Dhamra. The Chief Minister has issued instructions for appointment of nodal officer to facilitate implementation of the project.

Source: hindu.com