The Odisha state government is planning to enhance its marine infrastructure by constructing two new seaports in addition to the existing ports at Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur. The government is set to sign a technical assistance agreement with PSA Singapore, a prominent port group with a presence in 45 countries, for the development of these new ports. Each of the two new ports will also include a shipyard, with the government aiming to attract more industries to the areas surrounding Gopalpur and Dhamra ports.
In a move to boost industrial growth near the ports, the government has approved a major investment of Rs 6,000 crore by Orissa Metallurgical Industry Private Limited for an integrated steel plant near Dhamra port. Additionally, the state government has received an application from a well-known shipbuilding and repair company to establish a shipyard within the new port locations. At the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha investor summit, scheduled for January 28 and 29, various investment proposals, especially in the chemical and petrochemical sectors near Gopalpur port, will be announced.
With a projected 20% annual increase in exports, Odisha aims to raise its port cargo handling capacity to over 500 million tonnes per annum by 2030, up from the current 290 MTPA, to contribute significantly to India’s industrial growth. The state government has identified Balasore and Ganjam as key areas for future port development, although challenges related to land constraints have halted progress on the originally planned Palur port in Ganjam district. Despite these obstacles, Odisha remains focused on expanding its port network to support economic development and facilitate trade growth in the region.
