Failure of one of the major investment in transport infrastructure in colonial orissa - A study of coast canal

Orissa was occupied by the British in 1803. During this period, transport and communication received low priority of the government. The situation became so severe that when Famine of 1866 came to Orissa, even the relief materials were not transported to Orissa. In this famine one third of its population were perished. The famine commission of 1866 recommended for development of roads, ports and navigable canals. But it did not recommend for extension of railways to Orissa. The Coast Canal was constructed in Orissa in 1885. It connected from Badga River in West Bengal to Matai River inBalasore District. It was planned as commercial trade route from Orissa to other parts of India. Its original estimate was Rs36,02,297. The estimate was revised in 1888 and it rose to Rs 44,74,947. It was one of the major investmentsprograme in colonial Orissa. Before the coming of railways, it served as commercial trade route. But with the coming of railways its importance as commercial route was declined. Secondly, the canal did not allow the flood water of the River Subarnarekha to go to sea. This became a problem for people andagriculture. So, the Flood advisory committee of 1829 recommended for closure of the project.