India: Odisha revises truck movement cap to ports for iron ore export

Odisha has increased the number of trips that trucks from 19 Joda mines can take to Paradip and Gopalpur ports, though capping of truck movement has been revised for mines in Koira region of the state too.

The cap on truck movement was imposed on 25 Jun'20 to ease traffic congestion on national highways and violation of social distancing norms at the ports.

Total trips from 19 mines from Joda mines to Paradip has been raised to 1,355 per day while 671 trips are allowed to Gopalpur daily. Previously, the cap was 935 for Paradip and 332 for Gopalpur.

The Odisha government has, however, revised capping of trips from Koira mines on 7 July. Total trips from 18 mines in Koira to Paradip port has been capped at 546 per day while trips to Gopalpur port are capped at 269 per day.

Paradip port accounts for the largest share of Indian iron ore exports, contributing about 40-55% on a monthly basis. India's total iron exports (excluding pellet) in June'20 was at 3.93 mn t, with Paradip port accounting for 1.66 mn t and Gopalpur at 0.70 mn t.

The number of trips allowed for major mines to Paradip port and Gopalpur port is as below: