Bhubaneswar, Odisha | May 31, 2025:
In a major push towards strengthening Odisha’s position in India’s maritime economy, the Odisha Maritime Board, under the aegis of the Commerce & Transport Department, has unveiled a comprehensive initiative to develop the state’s coastal infrastructure through a structured Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The move is aimed at enhancing cargo handling capacity, boosting maritime tourism, and stimulating regional trade and employment, while promoting sustainable industrial growth along the coastline.
With a vast and strategically located 574.71 km coastline, Odisha has long been recognized for its untapped maritime potential. As part of this visionary project, eight key coastal locations have been identified for phased development:
Bichitrapur, Bahabalpur, Chandipur, Inchuri, Chudamani, Baliharachandi, Palur, and Bahuda Muhan.
These sites were selected based on a detailed and data-driven approach, including traffic demand forecasting, environmental impact assessments (EIA), last-mile connectivity studies, and an assessment of regional economic opportunities. The goal is to create a well-integrated, environmentally responsible, and investor-friendly maritime ecosystem that supports both commercial and tourism-based activities.
Speaking on the development, a senior official from the Commerce & Transport Department, said:
“This initiative reflects the Odisha government’s long-term vision to develop a world-class maritime infrastructure. By combining the strengths of the public sector with the efficiency and innovation of private enterprises, we aim to unlock new avenues in cargo movement, coastal tourism, and job creation.”
The state is inviting participation from national and international investors, developers, and maritime stakeholders through a transparent Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI document, containing detailed project information, site-specific opportunities, and investment models, is available for download on the official website of the Commerce & Transport Department.
This maritime development programme aligns with Odisha’s broader goal of becoming a key contributor to the national logistics and export framework. It is also expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, foster regional economic growth, and position the state as a leading maritime and logistics hub in eastern India.
By embracing innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, Odisha is setting a benchmark in leveraging its coastal strengths to drive holistic development across its maritime belt.
