Bhubaneswar: BJD President Naveen Patnaik attended the “Voyages: The Ancient Maritime Silk Route” exhibition in New Delhi, curated by Jaya Mani. The event highlights South Asia’s coastal heritage, with a focus on Odisha. Patnaik praised artists Suresh Muthukulam and Gunjan Jain for their contributions, celebrating the region’s rich maritime history.
The Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) is enhancing the State’s Blue Economy and maritime development. Principal Secretary Usha Padhee emphasized integrated port-led growth, sustainable shipping, and skills training. The OMB aims to modernize infrastructure, promote marine tourism, and attract investments, positioning Odisha as a key maritime hub in Eastern India.
Odisha is revitalizing its maritime sector through strategic policies led by the Commerce & Transport department. By modernizing ports, it aims to create robust economic ecosystems. In FY 2024-2025, Dhamra and Gopalpur ports efficiently processed significant cargo, contributing to state revenue and enhancing Odisha’s position in international trade.
Dhamra Port in Odisha has marked a significant milestone by importing its largest coking coal consignment, totaling 186,782 metric tonnes. Delivered by Tata Steel, this achievement highlights the port’s capability to handle ultra-large vessels and reinforces its status as a premier deep-draft facility on India’s eastern coast.
The Odisha government is set to launch the Dhamara-Talachua Ro-Pax ferry service on National Waterway No. 5, greatly enhancing inland connectivity. This initiative will reduce travel distance from 200 km by road to just 7 km by river, benefiting trade, tourism, and regional access with the new vessel, M.V. Bhupen Hazarika.
The Centre has identified six national waterways in Odisha suitable for cargo, passenger movement, and cruise tourism. Minister Sonowal confirmed their viability after consulting with the state government. NW-5, with a 30 million metric ton capacity, aims to connect industrial areas with ports. Plans for NW-14 and other waterways include infrastructure development for tourism and transportation.
The Odisha state government is set to enhance its marine infrastructure with the construction of two new seaports, in collaboration with PSA Singapore. These new ports, along with shipyards, aim to attract industries to Gopalpur and Dhamra areas. Investments in steel plants and shipyards near the ports signify the state’s commitment to industrial growth.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has approved Rs 50.30 crore for an all-weather ROPAX pier in Odisha under the Sagarmala initiative. The project will reduce travel time, benefitting the local population along the Dhamra River. The Government of Odisha will fund 50% of the project’s cost, creating indirect employment opportunities and boosting commercial activities.
The Odisha government and IIT Madras have joined forces to create a Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP) to address challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector. With a focus on port development and agricultural productivity, stakeholder consultations will shape the comprehensive approach to sustainable development in Odisha, benefiting both the economy and local communities.
India and ASEAN nations have reiterated their commitment to peace, stability, and maritime security. They emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully to ensure stability, particularly in the maritime domain. This reaffirmation reflects their shared values in upholding peace and security in the region through collaboration and adherence to international laws.
The Odisha government has proposed the establishment of a top-notch maritime institute in the state and sought support from the Centre. The goal is to set up an International Maritime University that meets global standards to enhance maritime education and training. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration to boost the maritime sector.
