Centre Unveils ₹56,000 Crore Maritime Vision for Odisha

The Centre has approved six projects worth Rs 350 crore under the Sagarmala Scheme for Odisha and identified 52 more projects with a combined investment potential of Rs 56,000 crore to accelerate port-led development and strengthen the state’s maritime economy.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said the additional projects, though not directly funded under Sagarmala, are being executed by agencies including the Paradip Port Authority, Odisha government departments, Indian Railways, NHAI, CONCOR and the Ministry of Rural Development. The proposed initiatives are expected to add around 83 million tonne per annum (MTPA) of cargo-handling capacity, enhancing Odisha’s role in India’s maritime trade network.

A key focus area is the development of National Waterway-5, which will improve connectivity between mineral-rich regions such as Talcher and Angul with industrial hubs like Kalinga Nagar and major ports including Paradip and Dhamra. The six Sagarmala projects are expected to generate nearly 2,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the wider project pipeline could create more than 25,000 employment opportunities.

The government is also expanding coastal skill development programmes to equip local youth with maritime sector capabilities. These initiatives aim to improve coastal connectivity, drive industrial growth and boost livelihoods across Odisha’s coastal regions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.