Bhubaneswar: The Paradip Port Authority (PPA), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, successfully hosted a roadshow in Bhubaneswar, titled “Transforming India’s Maritime Landscape: From Capacity to Vision,” as a key precursor to the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 scheduled for October 27-31 in Mumbai.
The event spotlighted Odisha’s strategic role in fostering sustainable maritime growth, aligning with the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. It gathered critical stakeholders, including industry leaders and government officials.
Chief Guest Sampad Chandra Swain, Odisha’s Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education, declared the state’s readiness to become India’s eastern maritime gateway and a hub for sustainable industrial growth. He emphasized that Odisha’s maritime development is seamlessly integrated with the Viksit Bharat 2047 goals, focusing on the blue economy, inclusive skilling, and women’s participation.
Minister Shri Swain pledged full state support for PPA’s proposed projects, which are expected to propel the state toward its Viksit Odisha 2036 vision.
Additional Chief Secretary Industries, Shri Hemant Sharma highlighted the state’s economy, which is growing faster than the national average at 8-9%, and noted the deep synergy between industrial growth and the maritime sector. He confirmed strong investor interest in shipbuilding and repair facilities following recent Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
Principal Secretary Commerce & Transport, Smt.Usha Padhee outlined Odisha’s ambitious roadmap to scale its port capacity from the current 80 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 500 MTPA by 2047 through modernization, new infrastructure, and the proposed Odisha Maritime Board. She called for increased private participation and stressed the need to boost women’s involvement in the sector, aligning with the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
PPA Chairperson P.L. Haranadh delivered the welcome address, detailing India’s Maritime Vision 2047, which focuses on sustainable trade, green shipping, and digital transformation.
He revealed that the five-day IMW 2025 will be a global forum featuring over 100 maritime nations, 200 international speakers, 500 exhibitors, and one lakh delegates. Discussions will span port modernization, green shipping, and maritime security, among other topics.
A key target for the Ministry is to sign MoUs worth over ₹10 lakh crore during IMW 2025, with PPA itself aiming for over ₹1 lakh crore. Shri Haranadh referenced recent MoUs signed by the Odisha government.