Odisha Accelerates Maritime Infrastructure Growth with Major Port Agreements

Bhubaneswar: To enhance Odisha’s maritime economy, the State Government has signed two major concession agreements aimed at enhancing port infrastructure and trade capabilities. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced that the state is committed to transforming Odisha into a maritime commerce hub by facilitating the development of new ports, jetties, and allied infrastructure across its coastline.

A concession agreement was signed with JSW Utkal Steel Limited for the development of a captive jetty at Jatadhara mouth in Ersama block of Jagatsinghpur district. The jetty is projected to handle 52 million metric tons of cargo annually and create employment opportunities for approximately 3,450 people—both directly and indirectly.

Simultaneously, another major agreement was signed with Gopalpur Ports Limited to expand the Gopalpur Port. With an investment of ₹16,554 crore, the development aims to increase the port’s handling capacity to 50 million metric tons and generate around 5,000 jobs.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Minister Majhi said, “Our vision is to build world-class maritime infrastructure in Odisha through strategic partnerships with leading private sector players. With these projects, Odisha is on a fast track toward becoming a significant player in India’s blue economy.”

He further added that the state plans to establish two additional ports at Inchudi and Bahuda, while also accelerating work on the Subarnarekha and Astaranga port projects. “The involvement of globally recognized firms such as Gopalpur Port Limited (Adani Ports) and JSW Steel will usher in a new era of port-led development in the state,” the Chief Minister said.

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena echoed the Chief Minister’s vision, emphasizing the role of ports and jetties in the state’s economic development. “The government is identifying potential sites along Odisha’s long coastline for the development of non-major ports, fish harbours, coastal transport, and allied infrastructure,” he said.

The agreement signing ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior dignitaries, including Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and Additional Chief Secretary for Industries, Hemant Sharma. JSW Utkal Steel President Anil Kumar Singh, Gopalpur Ports Business Head Sandeep Jaiswal, and Port Director Padmalochan Raul signed the agreements on behalf of their respective organizations.

Together, these projects are expected to create approximately 8,450 employment opportunities and significantly contribute to Odisha’s industrial and trade growth, reinforcing the state’s emerging position as a key maritime gateway in eastern India.