Odisha signs mega port deals worth Rs 18,654 crore with Adani & JSW; to create 8450 jobs

In a major push toward transforming Odisha into a maritime trade and logistics powerhouse, the state government today signed Concession Agreements for two major port infrastructure projects worth Rs 18,654 crore. The move marks a decisive step toward port-led development, with strategic investments from private sector giants Adani Ports and JSW Steel.

The agreements were inked at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who emphasized the transformative potential of these projects for Odisha’s coastal economy.

Key Projects Signed:

1.    Gopalpur Port Expansion – Rs 16,554 Crore

Developer: Gopalpur Ports Limited (Adani Ports)
Objective: Expansion and modernization of Gopalpur Port
Target Capacity: 50 million metric tonnes (MMT) post-expansion
Employment Generation: Approx. 5,000 jobs

Located strategically on India’s east coast, the Gopalpur Port expansion will boost cargo handling and position Odisha as a vital link for export-import operations and future industrial corridors.

2. Captive Jetty at Jatadhari – Rs 2,100 Crore

Developer: JSW Utkal Steel Limited
Location: Jatadhari river mouth, Erasama tehsil, Jagatsinghpur
Capacity: 52 MMT
Employment Generation: Approx. 3,450 jobs

The Jatadhari captive jetty will serve the logistics needs of JSW’s steel and industrial units while enabling local trade and boosting regional employment.

Chief Minister’s Vision: Coastal Odisha as Export Hub

Addressing the gathering, CM Majhi said, “These projects will play a key role in transforming Odisha into a major hub for maritime trade. The state will work in partnership with private companies to enhance its maritime economy.”

He reiterated that Odisha’s 480-km coastline offers immense potential to become Eastern India’s leading logistics and export destination.

Four More Ports in the Pipeline

Taking the maritime vision further, CM Majhi announced plans for four additional ports to diversify the state’s port ecosystem:

New Ports: Inchudi and Bahuda

Upcoming Ports: Subarnarekha and Astaranga

These ports, aligned with industrial corridors and supported by road and rail infrastructure, aim to decentralize economic activity and ensure balanced regional development.

Economic and Strategic Impact:

Jobs Boost: Over 8,450 direct and indirect employment opportunities
Private Investment: Leveraging expertise and capital from Adani Ports and JSW to fast-track infrastructure
Maritime Growth: Increased cargo throughput, reduced logistics cost, and improved global trade competitiveness

Conclusion: A Maritime Leap Forward

The Rs 18,654 crore investment is being hailed as a cornerstone in Odisha’s coastal industrialization journey. With port capacity expansion, strategic partnerships, and future-ready infrastructure, Odisha is positioning itself at the center of India’s maritime resurgence.

As the state aligns with national infrastructure goals and global supply chains, these projects are expected to usher in a new era of economic transformation along Odisha’s coastline.