Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has informed the Rajya Sabha that six projects worth ₹350 crore have been sanctioned under the Sagarmala Programme in Odisha to strengthen port connectivity, logistics infrastructure and coastal economic development.
In a written reply to a question raised by Sasmit Patra (BJD), the minister said the approved projects are aimed at enhancing port-led development and improving the state’s maritime logistics ecosystem.
Sonowal further stated that 52 additional projects worth approximately ₹56,000 crore, which are not funded under the Sagarmala scheme, have also been identified for implementation across Odisha. These projects will be executed by various agencies, including the Paradip Port Authority, Odisha Fisheries Department, Indian Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) and the Ministry of Rural Development.
According to the minister, the six Sagarmala-funded projects are expected to generate around 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, while the larger pipeline of 52 projects is projected to create more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Highlighting the government’s focus on skill development, Sonowal said efforts are also being undertaken in convergence with the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) to equip youth with skills required for employment in the maritime sector.
He added that the planned investments are expected to boost economic activity in Odisha’s coastal regions, improve multimodal connectivity, strengthen logistics efficiency and deliver long-term socio-economic benefits to local communities.