In a major step toward strengthening its maritime and industrial ecosystem, the Odisha Government on Monday signed a series of MoUs worth ₹50,000 crore across key sectors including shipbuilding, ship repair, port modernization, green hydrogen, and smart port development during the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 conclave in Mumbai.
Building a Port-Led Economy
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to becoming a leading maritime and logistics hub on India’s eastern seaboard.
“Odisha is strategically positioned as India’s emerging maritime hub. With stable governance, skilled manpower, and investor-friendly reforms, we are building a new growth ecosystem powered by our ports. I warmly welcome global investors to be part of this transformative journey,” Majhi said.
The Chief Minister joined the inaugural session of IMW 2025 alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who inaugurated the event as Chief Guest. The conclave, hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) and organized by the Indian Ports Association (IPA), brings together leaders from over 100 countries to discuss innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration in the maritime domain.
Expanding Maritime Infrastructure
Highlighting the state’s ongoing port development efforts, Majhi said Odisha is home to Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur ports, with new facilities planned at Astaranga, Jatadhari Muhan, Subarnarekha, and Bahuda. These initiatives will expand Odisha’s port handling capacity to 500 million tonnes annually, supported by major ship anchor points.
He emphasized that the upcoming Bahuda Port, with an investment of ₹21,500 crore, and a ₹24,700 crore shipbuilding and repair cluster, alongside the Puri International Cruise Terminal, will redefine Odisha’s coastal economy and enhance global trade linkages.
Key MoUs Signed
Several landmark agreements were inked to accelerate Odisha’s maritime ambitions:
₹21,500 crore MoU between Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Odisha Maritime Board (OMB), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. for developing an all-weather Satellite Major Port at Bahuda Muhana, Ganjam.
₹22,700 crore MoU between PPA and OMB for establishing a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Odisha.
₹500 crore MoU between the Commerce & Transport Department and Indian Ports Association for the Cruise Terminal development project.
₹500 crore MoU between PPA and Odisha Maritime for an International Cruise Terminal at Puri.
MoU between the Inland Waterways Authority of India, PPA, OMB, and Ministry of Coal for operationalising National Waterways–5.
MoU between Berhampur University and Indian Maritime University for academic and research collaboration.
MoUs with Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Limited (IPRCL) for development of a Maritime Museum and four-lane connectivity projects.
MoU with IFFCO for facilitating cargo movement through Odisha’s ports.
Industrial Investments Boosting Coastal Economy
The Odisha Pavilion at IMW also attracted significant private investment proposals:
Reliance Consumer Limited announced a ₹938 crore investment to establish a manufacturing facility for biscuits, beverages, juices, and confectionery at Ambhabil, Khordha. The facility will have an annual capacity of 14,000 TPA biscuits, 18 million cases of beverages, 3.6 million cases of juice, and 7,000 TPA of confectionery.
Jain Metals proposed a ₹2,100 crore investment to set up a 45,000 MT Titanium Metal and Titanium Dioxide plant in Ganjam district.
Odisha’s Vision: A Maritime Powerhouse of the East
Chief Minister Majhi said the state’s initiatives align closely with India’s broader maritime vision under Amrit Kaal, aiming to make the country one of the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047.
“Our ports are not just gateways of trade—they are gateways of transformation. Odisha is ready to lead the next wave of maritime growth in Eastern India,” the Chief Minister stated.
The Odisha delegation’s presence at IMW 2025 underscored the state’s proactive role in fostering sustainable maritime development, advancing blue economy initiatives, and integrating coastal infrastructure with industrial growth.
