Odisha Charts Course for Maritime Growth with 2050 Vision Plan

Bhubaneswar: The Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha, today convened a High-Level Consultative Workshop to discuss the preparation of the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP), a long-term strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the State into a globally competitive maritime hub.

The workshop, chaired by Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport Department, was held at Kharavel Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, and brought together senior officials and key stakeholders from multiple departments and agencies to provide critical inputs for finalising the State’s maritime vision for 2025–2050.

The Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan is being prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, as the technical consultant for the project. The Plan aligns with major national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti and the Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring complete integration between the State’s and the nation’s maritime development goals.

Experts from NTCPWC, IIT Madras, presented the key features of the draft Plan, which outlines a phased and sustainable approach to unlocking the full potential of Odisha’s 575-km coastline and its vast network of rivers. The OMPP envisions enhancing port infrastructure, strengthening multimodal connectivity, promoting fisheries, aquaculture and coastal tourism, building climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable coastal assets, developing skilled human resources for the maritime economy, and creating hubs for shipbuilding, ship repair and port-based industries.

Senior representatives from the Odisha Maritime Board, Directorate of Ports and Inland Water Transport, Tourism Department, Steel and Mines Department, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Fisheries Department, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) participated in the deliberations. Dr. Purnendu Mishra from FROST also attended and shared valuable insights.

The meeting featured detailed discussions on integrating port development, fisheries, and waterways with hinterland logistics, along with strategies for inclusive and environmentally responsible coastal development.

Speaking on the occasion, Padhee underscored the importance of evidence-based planning and inter-departmental coordination to realise Odisha’s vision of becoming a leading maritime state by 2047. She said that the OMPP would serve as a living document, guiding the State’s efforts with clear timelines and measurable performance indicators.

All participating departments and agencies were invited to share their feedback and suggestions to refine the draft OMPP before its final submission to the Government. Once approved, the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (2025–2050) will serve as a comprehensive blueprint for the State’s maritime and logistics growth, positioning Odisha as the maritime gateway of Eastern India.