Odisha has taken a commanding lead in India’s maritime renaissance, signing nine landmark MoUs worth Rs.50,000 crore (US$6 billion) at the India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai. The agreements, aimed at port development, shipbuilding, logistics, and waterways, position Odisha as the gateway of India’s blue economy on the eastern seaboard.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, who reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a “strong port-led and port-based economy” that will drive national growth over the next 25 years.
“Odisha is committed to transforming our ports into engines of trade, industry, and employment — the cornerstones of India’s maritime growth story,” said CM Majhi during the inaugural session, which was graced by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and senior officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
A Bold Maritime Vision
Under the Majhi Government, Odisha has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its port handling capacity to 500 million tonnes by 2047, while simultaneously developing 14 new ports and three major ship anchor points.
From the bustling Paradip and Dhamra ports to upcoming hubs at Astaranga, Subarnarekha, Bahuda, and Jatadhari Muhan, Odisha’s coast is evolving into a dynamic industrial and trade corridor — integrating shipbuilding, cruise tourism, logistics, and inland waterways.
“Odisha’s maritime strength is shaping a new industrial era,” CM Majhi emphasized. “With our rich coastline and strategic infrastructure, we are not only supporting India’s trade ambitions but also creating lakhs of livelihoods for our coastal communities.”
Nine Strategic MoUs: The Building Blocks of a Blue Economy
A. Mega Shipbuilding Cluster (Rs.22,700 crore) —
The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) inked an MoU to establish a shipbuilding and repair complex at the mouth of the Mahanadi River, Kendrapara — envisioned as one of India’s largest maritime infrastructure zones.
B. Bahuda Muhana Satellite Port (Rs.21,500 crore) —
A new deep-water, all-weather port will be developed jointly by PPA, OMB, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation in Ganjam district, creating over 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.
C. Cruise Infrastructure (Rs.1,000 crore total) —
The Commerce and Transport Department and Indian Ports Association (IPA) will develop cruise terminals at Puri and Paradip, integrating tourism with maritime mobility.
D. Inland Waterways Network (National Waterway–5) —
A multi-agency collaboration between IWAI, PPA, OMB, and Ministry of Coal will operationalise the Brahmani–Mahanadi waterway, enabling seamless mineral and cargo movement between Talcher, Dhamra, and Paradip ports.
E. Maritime Research & Education —
Berhampur University and Indian Maritime University signed a pact for academic collaboration, maritime studies, and creation of a Maritime Museum, alongside a four-lane coastal access road under IPRCL.
Odisha’s Maritime Policy: Anchored in Growth and Sustainability
The Majhi-led government has redefined the blueprint for port-led growth with its Maritime Vision 2047, focusing on four pillars:
- Capacity Expansion: 14 new ports and anchor terminals.
- Sustainable Shipping: Integration of renewable energy and low-emission logistics.
- Connectivity Enhancement: Coastal highways and inland waterway modernization.
- Employment & Skill Growth: Training and skilling youth for port operations, shipbuilding, and marine engineering.
With Rs.50,000 crore in new investments, Odisha is set to generate over 1.5 lakh employment opportunities, promote blue economy startups, and strengthen its position as a hub for shipbuilding, tourism, and clean logistics.
India’s Eastern Maritime Powerhouse
Odisha’s rise in the maritime sector is not accidental — it is strategic governance in motion.
The state’s proactive coordination with central ministries, transparent policy framework, and investor-friendly infrastructure have turned Odisha into the anchor state of India’s eastern maritime grid.
CM Majhi’s direct engagement with industry leaders during IMW 2025 further reinforced investor confidence. He urged global and Indian firms to “join Odisha’s growth voyage” and contribute to its transformation into a sustainable maritime powerhouse.
Conclusion: Odisha’s Wave of the Future
With its long coastline, visionary leadership, and robust policy framework, Odisha is scripting a maritime renaissance that echoes far beyond its shores.
Under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi’s stewardship, the state is steering towards an era of industrial, economic, and ecological harmony — where the waves of progress meet the winds of sustainability.
Odisha’s Rs.50,000-crore blueprint is not merely an investment plan — it is a manifesto of confidence, competence, and commitment that anchors India’s blue economy for decades to come.