Bhubaneswar, June 26: Odisha government on Thursday signed two concession agreements for the development of Gopalpur Port and constructing a captive jetty at Jatadhari Muhan (river mouth) in Jagatsinghpur district.
Speaking at the inauguration event, CM Majhi said that the state government is giving priority to the development of maritime trade in Odisha by establishing ports, jetties and other infrastructure at various places in the state.
As per reports, a Concession Agreement has been signed between the Odisha government and JSW Utkal Steel Limited for the construction of a captive jetty at the Jatadhari Muhan (river mouth) under Erasama Tehsil in Jagatsinghpur district.
The jetty will have a cargo handling capacity of 52 million metric tonnes (MMT). An initial investment of Rs 2,100 crore will be made for the project, which is expected to generate around 3,450 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Similarly, a Concession Agreement has been signed between Gopalpur Ports Limited and the Government of Odisha for the expansion and modernization of Gopalpur Port, with an investment of Rs 16,554 crore. After the upgrade, the port's cargo handling capacity will increase to 50 million metric tonnes (MMT). This project is expected to create around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth.
The Concession Agreements were signed between President of JSW Utkal Steel Limited Anil Kumar Singh, Business Head of Gopalpur Ports Limited Sandeep Jayswal and Director of Ports Padmalochan Raul, representing the Government of Odisha, in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Majhi.
At the agreement signing ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi stated that the government aims to promote the development of maritime trade in the state through partnerships with various private companies.
He also mentioned that there are plans to establish two new ports at Inchudi and Bahuda in the near future, along with ongoing plans for the development of Subarnarekha and Astaranga ports.
CM Majhi also stated that Gopalpur Port Limited (Adani Ports) and JSW Steel are both globally renowned in the fields of port development and steel production. These two companies will usher in a new era of port-led development in the state. Through these two projects, around 8,450 employment opportunities will be created in Odisha.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said that the development of ports and jetties plays a vital role in Odisha's overall growth. He added that the state government has identified many potential coastal locations along Odisha’s long coastline. Their development plans include minor ports, jetties, fish landing harbors, coastal transportation, and supporting infrastructure.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department Hemant Sharma, and officials from JSW Utkal Steel and Gopalpur Ports Limited were present at the event.
Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department Usha Padhee welcomed everyone to the event, while Additional Secretary Shri Bidhan Ray delivered the vote of thanks.
