Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to Odisha’s maritime ambitions, Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman of the ASSOCHAM Odisha State Development Council, was felicitated for his exemplary contributions to the state’s industrial growth at the Odisha Maritime Week 2025 Roadshow.
The event, organized by the Paradip Port Authority in Bhubaneswar, was a precursor to the main India Maritime Week 2025, which will take place in Mumbai.
Shri Mohanty thanked the state and union government authorities for initiating steps to enhance Odisha’s port capacity from the current 80 MTPA to an ambitious 500 MTPA by 2047.
The state’s vision is to become the “eastern maritime gateway” of India by leveraging its strategic coastline and attracting significant investments. This aligns with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and “Viksit Odisha 2036.”
The Road Show emphasized the importance of technology adoption, particularly in AI-driven manufacturing and digital pathways for smart ports.
ASSOCHAM, as an industry partner for the event, reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the government to foster a sustainable and intelligent manufacturing ecosystem in the state.
The roadshow, themed “Navigating the Shift of Indian Maritime Sector: From Volume to Vision,” brought together a formidable assembly of industry leaders, policymakers, and government officials. Key speakers at the event included Odisha’s Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Shri Hemant Sharma, and Principal Secretary (Commerce & Transport) Smt.Usha Padhee and PPA Chairman, Shri P L Haranadh.
The felicitation of Shri Mohanty underscores the crucial role played by industry bodies like ASSOCHAM in aligning the state’s economic goals with national development strategies. The roadshow served as a platform to highlight Odisha’s immense potential as a maritime hub and a future-ready manufacturing powerhouse.
During the event, several landmark projects were highlighted, including the proposed Bahuda Port and a shipbuilding cluster at Kendrapara, which have already garnered significant investment commitments.
The event successfully showcased Odisha’s readiness to play a pivotal role in India’s maritime and industrial transformation.