Odisha Signs MoU with IIT Madras to Develop Maritime Infrastructure Plan

Bhubaneswar: The Directorate of Ports & Inland Water Transport, Odisha, has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP).

The agreement was formally signed in the presence of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department. Padhee highlighted the significance of this collaboration in shaping Odisha’s maritime future and expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, welcoming all stakeholders involved in the planning process.

The meeting provided a crucial platform for engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, maritime experts, port operators, transport and logistics professionals, and Boat Owners’ Associations. These discussions were aimed at understanding the challenges, concerns, and requirements at the grassroots level, ensuring the plan addresses local needs and facilitates the state’s maritime development.

Prof. Kantharaj Murali, Dean of NTCPWC, IIT Madras, led the session with a detailed presentation of the proposed sections of the OMPP. He outlined the key objectives and areas that the plan would focus on, from enhancing port infrastructure to improving waterway operations. Participants were encouraged to provide feedback on the plan’s framework, ensuring that a diverse range of perspectives was incorporated into the final strategy.

To ensure continued stakeholder involvement, copies of the presentation and feedback forms were distributed, inviting further comments. The inputs collected will be carefully reviewed and used to refine the OMPP, which aims to elevate Odisha’s maritime infrastructure, optimize policies, and foster sustainable economic growth through improved waterways and ports.