New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha participated in the 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) Meeting held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on Wednesday, and reaffirmed its vision of maritime growth. Odisha has a coastline of about 480 km and is home to a Major Port (Paradip) and several private ones.
In 2023-24, the Paradip Port handled a record cargo of 145.38 million metric tonnes. This was the highest cargo handled by any major port in India for 2023-24.
The meeting was chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways. Among the others present were Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, chief ministers and ministers of various states, and senior officials from the Centre and state governments.
The event featured key discussions on maritime infrastructure development under the Sagarmala Programme, including a review of project implementation, updates on the State Sagarmala Committee (SSC) and the State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC). Deliberations were also held on the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 — a strategic blueprint for India’s maritime expansion.
A significant focus was given to the conceptualisation of Sagarmala 2.0, which envisions enhanced port modernisation, seamless multimodal connectivity, and holistic coastal community development. Odisha’s ongoing maritime projects and strategic initiatives were prominently highlighted, showcasing its proactive approach to port-led development and blue economy growth.
Representing the Government of Odisha, Usha Padhee, principal secretary, Department of Commerce & Transport and CEO, Odisha Maritime Board, commended the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways on a decade of transformative progress under the Sagarmala Programme and presented key projects from the state for inclusion in Sagarmala 2.0.
Odisha underscored its commitment to advancing maritime connectivity and trade through the Odisha State Maritime and Waterways Master Plan (OSMWMP). The state also highlighted its efforts to preserve and promote its rich maritime legacy through the state pavilion at the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat. Additionally, discussions emphasized the proposed India Maritime Centre (IMC) that has been planned as a hub for maritime research, training, and capacity building.
Odisha also reiterated its strategic focus on strengthening national waterways, fostering shipbuilding and repair facilities, and leveraging its coastline for sustainable economic growth. With a forward-looking approach, Odisha remains steadfast in its vision to emerge as a leader in maritime infrastructure, catalyzing regional trade and driving India’s blue economy aspirations under the Sagarmala Programme.
