Bhubaneswar: A high-level consultative workshop was convened today by the Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha, to review the draft Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP) 2025–2050, a strategic document aimed at transforming Odisha into a globally competitive maritime state.
Chaired by Principal Secretary Commerce & Transport, Smt. Usha Padhee, IAS, the meeting at Kharavel Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, brought together senior officials and key stakeholders from multiple agencies to provide crucial feedback on the long-term maritime strategy, which is being prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, and is aligned with national initiatives like Sagarmala and PM Gati Shakti.
The Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan 2025–2050 is being prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, the technical consultant for the project. The Plan is strategically aligned with major national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring full integration between State and national maritime development goals.
Experts from NTCPWC, IIT Madras presented the key features of the draft Plan, which lays out a phased and sustainable roadmap to unlock the full potential of Odisha’s 575-km coastline and vast network of rivers. The OMPP is structured around six strategic pillars: Enhancing existing port infrastructure and developing new ports to boost maritime trade and logistics; Strengthening multimodal connectivity by linking ports and waterways with hinterland logistics; Promoting fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism to create sustainable livelihoods; Building environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient coastal assets; Developing human capital to meet the needs of the growing maritime economy; and Establishing hubs for shipbuilding, ship repair, and port-based industries.
Senior representatives from the Odisha Maritime Board, Directorate of Ports & Inland Water Transport, Tourism Department, Steel & Mines Department, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Fisheries Department, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) actively participated in the deliberations. Dr. Purnendu Mishra from FROST also attended and shared valuable insights during the discussions.
The meeting featured in-depth deliberations on integrating port development, fisheries, and waterways with hinterland logistics, along with strategies for inclusive and environmentally responsible coastal development.
Speaking on the occasion, Smt Padhee underscored the importance of evidence-based planning and inter-departmental coordination to realise Odisha’s vision of becoming a leading maritime state by 2047. She noted that the OMPP would serve as a living document, guiding the State’s efforts with clear timelines and performance indicators.
All participating departments and agencies were invited to share their feedback and suggestions to refine the draft OMPP before its final submission to the Government. Once approved, the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan will serve as a definitive blueprint for the State’s maritime and logistics growth, positioning Odisha as the maritime gateway of Eastern India.