Bhubaneswar: Odisha took center stage at the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai, presenting its ambitious maritime growth roadmap and signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 50,000 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi led the state delegation and unveiled Odisha’s vision to build a “Strong Port-Led and Port-Based Economy”, positioning the state as the maritime gateway to Eastern India.
Speaking at the inaugural session—graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah as Chief Guest—Chief Minister Majhi underscored Odisha’s commitment to transforming its ports into engines of trade, industry, and employment that will drive India’s economic growth over the next 25 years.
“Odisha is committed to building a strong port-led economy. We will transform our ports into engines of trade, industry, and employment—driving India’s growth journey for the next 25 years,” Majhi said.
Joined the #IndiaMaritimeWeek2025 and highlighted Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, modern port infrastructure, and ambitious blue economy roadmap.
From the ancient maritime prowess of Kalinga to our present-day global trade linkages, Odisha’s coastal legacy continues to inspire… pic.twitter.com/TePhoEtkJs
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 27, 2025
The event, hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and organised by the Indian Ports Association (IPA), brought together global maritime leaders, policymakers, and investors from over 100 countries to deliberate on the future of the sector and India’s growing maritime leadership.
Odisha’s Maritime Vision and Investment Roadmap
During the special Odisha session, themed “Port-led Development of Odisha: A Perspective Plan for 2024”, Chief Minister Majhi outlined the state’s comprehensive maritime vision aimed at developing a modern, sustainable, and globally competitive coastal ecosystem.
Highlighting Odisha’s strategic location on India’s eastern seaboard, Majhi said the state was rapidly emerging as a maritime hub supported by policy stability, world-class infrastructure, and strong private sector participation.
“With Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, and upcoming ports at Astaranga, Jatadhari Muhan, Subarnarekha, and Bahuda, Odisha is expanding its total port handling capacity to 500 million tonnes annually by 2047,” the Chief Minister announced.
He emphasised that three major ship anchor points would support this capacity expansion, alongside flagship projects such as the Bahuda Port (₹21,500 crore investment) and the Shipbuilding and Repair Cluster (₹24,700 crore). These, coupled with the upcoming Puri International Cruise Terminal, will redefine Odisha’s maritime and coastal economy.
Visited the Odisha Pavilion at #IndiaMaritimeWeek2025 and witnessed an impressive display showcasing the State’s remarkable maritime journey, when our sailors navigated distant shores fostering trade and cultural exchange, to the present day marked by world-class ports, robust… pic.twitter.com/oHdN9GUOCa
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 27, 2025
Majhi also noted that the state’s maritime roadmap extended beyond logistics and trade, integrating cruise tourism, blue economy ventures, and coastal infrastructure development to unlock new opportunities across the Bay of Bengal region.
MoUs Worth Rs 50,000 Crore Signed
Odisha’s participation at IMW 2025 was marked by the signing and showcasing of several key MoUs, reinforcing investor confidence in the state’s maritime potential:
1. Odisha Commerce & Transport Department and Indian Ports Association for development of a Cruise Terminal – Rs 500 crore.
2. Paradip Port Authority and Odisha Maritime Board for an International Cruise Terminal at Puri – ₹500 crore.
3. Inland Waterways Authority of India, Paradip Port Authority, Odisha Maritime Board, and Ministry of Coal for operationalisation of National Waterway-5 (NW-5).
4. Berhampur University and Indian Maritime University for scientific and educational cooperation.
5. Paradip Port Authority, Odisha Maritime Board, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd. for an all-weather Satellite Major Port at Bahuda Muhana, Ganjam – Rs 21,500 crore (Showcased).
6. Paradip Port Authority and Odisha Maritime Board for development of a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster – Rs 22,700 crore (Showcased).
7. MoUs with IPRCL for development of a Maritime Museum and a four-lane connectivity road.
8. MoU with IFFCO for enhanced cargo movement operations.
These agreements collectively aim to strengthen Odisha’s maritime infrastructure, boost coastal employment, and expand trade linkages with global markets.
New Industrial Proposals
In addition to the MoUs, the state also received several new investment proposals.
• Reliance Consumer Ltd plans to set up a manufacturing facility for biscuits, beverages, juices, and confectionery at Ambhabil, Khordha, with an investment of ₹938 crore. The facility will have a capacity of 14,000 TPA biscuits and 18 million cases of beverages annually.
• Jain Metals proposed a Rs 2,100 crore project to establish a Titanium Metal and Titanium Dioxide Plant in Ganjam district with a capacity of 45,000 MT.
These proposals highlight Odisha’s growing appeal as a preferred investment destination for both port-based and ancillary industries.
A Strategic Maritime Future
Chief Minister Majhi reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to building a globally competitive maritime sector guided by the vision of Purvodaya and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Odisha’s vast coastline and strategic location make it the gateway to the East and a natural hub for maritime trade. Our government is committed to developing world-class port infrastructure and promoting port-led industrialization to strengthen Odisha’s position in the global maritime economy,” Majhi said.
He added that the state’s focus would remain on local employment generation, skill development, and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of maritime industrialization reach every citizen.
With policy stability, transparent governance, and a dedicated workforce, Odisha is poised to become a model state for sustainable maritime development.
