Bhubaneswar, July 22 (UDN): Odisha is set for a major transformation in its maritime and logistics infrastructure, with 58 port-linked projects worth over ₹56,350 crore either approved or under implementation under the Centre’s Sagarmala Programme.
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The information was shared in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, who said the projects are expected to significantly enhance the state’s port connectivity, cargo handling capacity and employment generation.
Six Projects Funded Under Sagarmala
According to the minister, six projects worth around ₹350 crore have been sanctioned directly under the Sagarmala scheme. The remaining 52 projects, valued at nearly ₹56,000 crore, are being implemented by agencies including the Paradip Port Authority, Odisha government departments, Indian Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).
Once completed, the projects are expected to add nearly 83 million tonnes of annual cargo handling capacity, strengthening Odisha’s role as one of India’s leading maritime and logistics hubs.
Coastal Connectivity and Fishing Infrastructure
Among the centrally funded initiatives are Ro-Pax ferry jetties connecting Kaninali (Bhadrak) with Talchua (Kendrapara) and Balugaon (Khordha) with Krishnaprasad Gada (Puri) to improve coastal transport.
The approved projects also include the modernisation of Paradip Fishing Harbour, the development of a new fishing harbour at Chandipur in Balasore, and two skill development programmes under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY). Five of these six projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Major Infrastructure Expansion
The broader investment portfolio covers road, rail, logistics and port infrastructure linked to Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga and Subarnarekha ports.
Several key projects have already been completed, including the Haridaspur–Paradip railway line, the Angul–Sukinda rail corridor, the Paradip Multi-Modal Logistics Park, and the Duburi–Panikoili road project.
Among the major ongoing works are the ₹7,600-crore Smart Industrial Port City at Paradip, the ₹3,005-crore expansion of Paradip Port’s Inner Harbour, the ₹4,695-crore third railway line between Bhadrak and Vizianagaram, and the ₹3,747-crore Duburi–Chandikhole–Paradip highway.
National Waterway-5 Awaiting Approval
The Union Minister also informed Parliament that the proposed National Waterway-5, announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, is awaiting final approval.
The inland waterway project is expected to connect the mineral-rich regions of Talcher and Angul with industrial clusters such as Kalinganagar, while providing efficient cargo movement to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra, thereby reducing logistics costs and improving freight connectivity.
Employment and Economic Impact
The Centre estimates that the six Sagarmala-funded projects will generate around 2,000 jobs, while the larger portfolio of 52 infrastructure projects is expected to create more than 25,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across Odisha.
Officials said the investments are expected to strengthen Odisha’s maritime economy, improve multimodal connectivity, boost industrial growth and reinforce the state’s position as a strategic gateway for domestic and international trade.