Mumbai, Oct 27: Odisha is committed to building a strong port-led and port-based economy, transforming its ports into engines of trade, industry, and employment to drive India’s growth over the next 25 years, said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai.

Majhi participated in the inaugural session of the event alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Organized by the Indian Ports Association (IPA) and hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, IMW 2025 convened leaders from over 100 countries, including policymakers, industry experts, and investors, to discuss the future of the global maritime sector and India’s growing leadership within it.

During the event, Chief Minister Majhi met top industry representatives from the port and blue economy sectors, inviting them to explore investment opportunities in Odisha’s fast-developing maritime ecosystem.

Speaking at a special session on Odisha, Majhi emphasized the state’s strategic advantage as India’s emerging maritime hub on the eastern coast. He reiterated the state’s vision to develop a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem through policy stability, infrastructure growth, and private sector participation.

“Odisha’s maritime strength is driving a new era of industrial and economic growth. With Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, and upcoming ports at Astaranga, Jatadhari Muhan, Subarnarekha, and Bahuda, we are expanding our total port handling capacity to 500 million tonnes annually,” said Majhi.

“The Bahuda Port, with an investment of ₹21,500 crore, and the ₹24,700 crore Shipbuilding and Repair Cluster, along with the Puri Cruise Terminal, will redefine Odisha’s coastal economy and global trade linkages. With stable governance, skilled manpower, and investor-friendly reforms, Odisha stands as the rising maritime hub of Eastern India,” he said.

Key projects and roadmap

The Chief Minister outlined Odisha’s maritime roadmap, which includes:

• Expanding port capacity to 500 million tonnes per annum by 2047.
• Developing 14 non-major ports across the coastline.
• Advancing two flagship projects — the Bahuda Port and the National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at Mahanadi Mouth.

Major MoUs signed

During the special Odisha session, titled “Port-led Development of Odisha: A Perspective Plan for 2024,” several key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to accelerate maritime and industrial growth:

1. Commerce & Transport Department, Govt. of Odisha and Indian Ports Association – Development of Cruise Terminal (₹500 crore)
2. Paradip Port Authority and Odisha Maritime Board – International Cruise Terminal at Puri (₹500 crore)
3. Inland Waterways Authority of India, Paradip Port Authority, Odisha Maritime Board, and Ministry of Coal – Operationalisation of NW-5
4. Berhampur University and Indian Maritime University – Scientific and Educational Cooperation
5. Paradip Port Authority, Odisha Maritime Board, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. – Development of an all-weather Satellite Major Port at Bahuda Muhana, Ganjam (₹21,500 crore, showcased)
6. Paradip Port Authority and Odisha Maritime Board – Development of National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster, Odisha (₹22,700 crore, showcased)
7. MoU with IPRCL – Development of Maritime Museum
8. MoU with IPRCL – 4-lane road connectivity
9. MoU with IFFCO – Cargo movement collaboration

Investment proposals received

In addition to MoUs, the Odisha delegation received several significant investment proposals:

1. Reliance Consumer Ltd. – Proposed manufacturing facility for biscuits, beverages, juice, and confectionery at Ambhabil, Khordha, with an investment of ₹938 crore. The plant will produce:
   • 14,000 TPA of biscuits
   • 18 million cases of beverages per annum
   • 3.6 million cases of juice per annum
   • 7,000 TPA of confectionery
2. Jain Metals – Proposed 45,000 MT Titanium Metal and Titanium Dioxide Plant in Ganjam with an investment of ₹2,100 crore.