Odisha is set to enhance its port-led industrialization strategy, aiming for investments of approximately Rs 1 lakh crore to drive growth under the Purvodaya vision and the Viksit Odisha roadmap. Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain announced this initiative during a roadshow hosted by Paradip Port, ahead of the Indian Maritime Week event scheduled from October 27 to 31 in Mumbai. The government plans to capitalize on the state’s extensive coastline and strategic location to attract substantial investments in sectors related to ports and maritime trade.
The state currently operates three ports, including Paradip, which managed a record 154 million tonnes of cargo last fiscal year. As part of the national investment agreements expected to reach Rs 10 lakh crore during the Mumbai event, Odisha aims to secure about Rs 1 lakh crore, with Paradip Port playing a pivotal role in this endeavor. To support this growth, the government is expanding port infrastructure and enhancing manufacturing capabilities while prioritizing the development of new maritime hubs.
Key projects include greenfield ports at Astaranga and Subarnarekha, alongside the new Bahuda Port in Ganjam, which is set to be developed over 5,000 acres with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore. This deep-sea port is anticipated to significantly boost Odisha’s trade capacity by handling 150 million tonnes of cargo annually. Furthermore, the Odisha Maritime Board and Paradip Port Authority have partnered to establish a large-scale shipbuilding cluster in Kendrapara, with an investment of Rs 24,700 crore, covering 2,000 to 2,500 acres along the Mahanadi River.
