Bhubaneswar: Charting an ambitious course for Odisha’s maritime future, Principal Secretary Commerce & Transport, Shrimati Usha Padhee, conducted a comprehensive review of the newly established Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) office. Her visit yesterday underscored the State’s commitment to leveraging its 480 km long coastline to drive a robust Blue Economy and transform Odisha into a maritime powerhouse.
During the meeting, Smt. Padhee took a deep dive into the Board’s strategic roadmap, which is designed to modernize and expand port infrastructure, improve maritime connectivity, and promote coastal shipping. She specifically highlighted the need for an integrated approach, advocating for the simultaneous development of port-led industries, sustainable shipping practices, and skill enhancement for the maritime sector.
“The Odisha Maritime Board is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the State’s maritime destiny,” Smt. Padhee stated, emphasizing that the Board’s efforts must align with national and global best practices to fully harness the potential of the coastline. She stressed that this initiative would not only drive investment and enhance trade competitiveness but also create significant job opportunities for the people of Odisha.
The review also honed in on several critical focus areas that will be central to the Board’s work:
- Infrastructure Development: The facilitation of new port projects and capacity expansion of existing ports to handle increased trade volumes.
- Blue Economy Promotion: Actively encouraging marine tourism, sustainable fisheries, and the development of renewable energy projects along the coast.
- Sustainable Practices: Implementing environmentally friendly port operations, effective waste management systems, and climate resilience measures.
- Ease of Doing Business: Streamlining regulatory clearances and adopting digital solutions to attract private sector investment and accelerate operations.
Smt. Padhee commended the OMB team for their proactive and innovative approach. She urged them to explore innovative financing models and forge global collaborations to solidify Odisha’s position as a leading maritime hub in Eastern India. The OMB’s roadmap is a direct reflection of the Government of Odisha’s vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, aiming to transform the state from a shoreline to a maritime powerhouse.