Odisha inks Rs 16,554 crore deal with Adani Group for Gopalpur Port expansion

In a significant boost to Odisha’s maritime infrastructure and economic ambitions, the state government on Thursday signed a Concession Agreement for the expansion of Gopalpur Port, involving an investment of Rs 16,554 crore.

The project will be developed by Gopalpur Ports Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), marking one of the largest private investments in the state’s port sector to date.

The agreement was formalized at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who hailed the initiative as a cornerstone of Odisha’s port-led development strategy. He emphasized that the expansion would not only enhance the state’s cargo handling capacity but also transform Odisha into a key logistics hub on India’s eastern seaboard.

The expansion project aims to upgrade and modernize Gopalpur Port to handle 50 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually, a substantial increase from its current capacity. Strategically located along the east coast, the port will play a crucial role in catering to growing industrial demands and boosting exports, especially in sectors like steel, minerals, and manufacturing.

Beyond economic throughput, the project is expected to generate approximately 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of the region.

With Odisha’s focus on leveraging its long coastline for industrial and trade development, the Gopalpur Port expansion stands as a key pillar in the state’s broader maritime vision. The move reflects growing private sector confidence in Odisha’s infrastructure ecosystem and the government’s commitment to making the state a gateway for global trade.