Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday reaffirmed the State's commitment to building a strong port-led and port-based economy, positioning Odisha as India's emerging maritime hub on the eastern coast.

The event, being organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) from October 27-31, 2025, has brought together delegates from over 100 countries, including policymakers, investors, and maritime industry leaders. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the week-long event.

A rapid transformation undergoing

Majhi highlighted Odisha's strategic advantages, noting that the State's port capacity is being expanded to 500 million tonnes per annum by 2047, supported by the development of 14 non-major ports. He also outlined plans for two transformational projects the Bahuda Port and the National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster - which together represent investments of nearly ?45,000 crore.

During the special Odisha session, themed "Port-led Development of Odisha: A Perspective Plan for 2024", Majhi underscored the government's investor-friendly policies, rapid clearance processes, and focus on infrastructure and logistics connectivity. "Guided by the vision of Purvodaya and Atmanirbhar Bharat, we are ensuring faster approvals, skilled manpower, and inclusive growth so that the benefits reach every citizen," he said.

Key development highlights

A series of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed and showcased at the event to boost maritime infrastructure and coastal development:

2500 crore MoU between the Odisha Commerce & Transport Department and the Indian Ports Association for the development of a cruise terminal.

2500 crore MoU between Paradip Port Authority and Odisha Maritime Board for an international cruise terminal at Puri.

Collaboration between Inland Waterways Authority of India, Paradip Port Authority, Odisha Maritime Board, and the Ministry of Coal for operationalising National Waterway-5.

?21,500 crore MoU for developing an all-weather Satellite Major Port at Bahuda Muhana in Ganjam.

*22,700 crore MoU for the National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at the Mahanadi mouth.

Partnerships with IPRCL for a maritime museum, a four-lane road project, and cargo movement collaboration with IFFCO.

In addition to the MoUs, the State received major investment proposals, including Reliance Consumer Ltd's 1938-crore plan to set up a food and beverages manufacturing facility in Khordha, and Jain Metals' ?2,100-crore proposal for a titanium metal and dioxide plant in Ganjam.

Source: ET Manufacturing 

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