SNS reported that dredging work of the Paradip channel has started with Mr K Raghuramaiah chairman of Paradip Port Trust inaugurating the program on board the dredger CSD Aquarius.

Describing the dredging as one of the most important developmental and expansion project of the port, Mr Raghuramaiah has highlighted various developmental works undertaken by the trust. Initially the dredging work will be done by the cutter and suction dredger CSD Aquarius and subsequently higher capacity dredgers will be deployed to cater to the requirement.

The dredging work is awarded to the Dredging Corporation of India. While the total cost of work amounts to INR 253.36 crore, it is expected that it would be complete by June 2009.

The total work includes 15 million cubic meters of dredging which includes 11.3 cubic meters dredging in the outer channel and 3.7 million cubic meters of dredging from the turning circle and the harbor inside. On completion of the, the depth of the entrance channel will be increased from 12.8 meter to 17.1 meter. By deepening the approach channel and entrance channel, the port will be in a position to handle cape size vessels of 125,000 DWT capacity.