Odisha unveils Rs 50,000-Cr maritime vision, to expand port capacity to 500 million tonnes

At the India Maritime Week 2025 on Monday, Odisha showcased its ambitious maritime roadmap, signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over Rs 50,000 crore, and unveiling plans to expand its port capacity to 500 million tonnes by 2047.

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Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, addressing the inaugural session in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, said Odisha is committed to building a “strong port-led and port-based economy” that will fuel India’s growth journey for the next 25 years.

Highlighting Odisha’s emergence as a maritime hub on India’s eastern coast, CM Majhi detailed plans to develop 14 non-major ports and two flagship projects—the Bahuda Port with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore and a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster worth Rs 22,700 crore at the Mahanadi River mouth.

The CM also announced an International Cruise Terminal in Puri district, and emphasised the integration of tourism, cruise development, and blue economy opportunities along the Bay of Bengal.

During the special Odisha session titled “Port-Led Development of Odisha: A Perspective Plan for 2024,” the Chief Minister urged global investors to partner in creating a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem, supported by stable governance and skilled manpower.

Nine key MoUs were signed at the event, including:

1.    Development of a Cruise Terminal, MoU signed between the Odisha Commerce & Transport Department and the Indian Ports Association (Rs 500 crore).

2.    Establishment of an International Cruise Terminal at Puri (Rs 500 crore).

3.    Operationalisation of National Waterway-5 (NW-5) MoU signed between the Ministry of Coal and other agencies.

4.    A Bahuda Satellite Port project (Rs 21,500 crore) and a Shipbuilding and Repair Cluster (Rs 22,700 crore).

Two major industrial proposals were also received — Reliance Consumer Ltd’s plan for a Rs 938-crore FMCG manufacturing unit in Khordha, and Jain Metals’ proposal for a Rs 2,100-crore titanium plant in Ganjam.

In a social media post on his X handle, the Odisha CM said, “Visited the Odisha Pavilion at #IndiaMaritimeWeek2025 and witnessed an impressive display showcasing the State's remarkable maritime journey, when our sailors navigated distant shores fostering trade and cultural exchange, to the present day marked by world-class ports, robust coastal infrastructure, and expanding investments in the blue economy. Odisha's strategic location, progressive port policy, and integrated approach to maritime development are positioning the State as a leading hub in India's eastern maritime corridor. Our vision is to honour the legacy of our maritime heritage while steering a modern, sustainable, and globally connected future for Odisha's blue economy.”

Participating in India Maritime Week 2025, held from 27th to 31st October at the NESCO Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, Odisha has positioned itself as India’s Eastern Maritime Gateway and is ready to anchor the nation’s next wave of port-led industrial growth.