Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to further strength maritime infrastructure, the Odisha government signed Concession Agreements for the expansion of Gopalpur Port and for setting up a captive jetty at Jatadhari river mouth in Jagatsinghpur district.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who was present during the signing ceremony at Lok Seva Bhawan, said the projects will play a key role in transforming Odisha into a major hub for maritime trade.
Following are the highlights of the agreements:
a. An investment of Rs 2,100 crore will be made by JSW Utkal Steel Limited to build a 52 million metric tonne (MMT) capacity captive jetty at Jatadhari.
b. An amount of Rs 16,554 crore will be invested for the expansion and upgradation of Gopalpur Port by Gopalpur Ports Limited.
c. The two projects are expected to create 8,450 direct and indirect jobs.
The captive jetty at Jatadhari, located under Erasama tehsil in Jagatsinghpur, will be developed by JSW Utkal Steel Limited. The initial investment of Rs 2,100 crore is expected to generate around 3,450 employment opportunities.
Similarly, Gopalpur Ports Limited (Adani Ports) will expand and modernise Gopalpur Port, increasing its cargo handling capacity to 50 MMT. The development will create around 5,000 jobs.
The Chief Minister said the state government is prioritising the development of port infrastructure to boost sea trade. “Odisha will work in partnership with private companies to enhance its maritime economy,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that the government is planning to establish two new ports at Inchudi and Bahuda. Additionally, development plans for Subarnarekha and Astaranga ports are underway.
Majhi expressed confidence that globally reputed companies like Adani Ports and JSW Steel will usher in a new era of port-led growth in Odisha.
