The Indian government has greenlit six Sagarmala projects amounting to ₹350 crore for Odisha, while also recognizing 52 other port-related initiatives that are set to cost around ₹56,000 crore. This move aims to bolster the coastal infrastructure, logistics, connectivity, and cargo handling capabilities across the state.
As reported to Parliament, the Centre’s approval marks a significant advancement in Odisha’s maritime infrastructure. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, provided this information in response to inquiries from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra. He emphasized that these projects are designed to enhance port connectivity, logistics networks, and stimulate economic activity along Odisha’s coastline.
According to Sonowal, the six sanctioned projects under the Sagarmala initiative carry a total cost of ₹350 crore. In addition, the 52 newly identified projects, valued at nearly ₹56,000 crore, are being executed by various agencies, including the Paradip Port Authority, the Odisha state government, Indian Railways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).
Collectively, these 58 projects are projected to generate approximately 83 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) in extra cargo-handling capacity, further establishing Odisha’s role in the nation’s port-led development strategy.
The projects funded by Sagarmala include the construction of Ro-Pax jetty links between Kaninali and Talchua, and between Balugaon and Krishnaprasad Gada. They also involve the modernization of the Paradip fishing harbor, the establishment of a new fishing harbor at Chandipur, and two coastal skill development programs under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY). Most of these initiatives are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The broader investment plan stretches across vital maritime hubs such as Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga, and Subarnarekha ports. The identified projects encompass improvements in rail and road connectivity, logistics infrastructure, and port expansion initiatives aimed at facilitating cargo movement and fostering industrial development in coastal Odisha.
Among the completed projects are the Paradip Multi-Modal Logistics Park and the Haridaspur-Paradip rail link. Significant ongoing works include the ₹7,600-crore Smart Industrial Port City at Paradip, the ₹3,005-crore modernization project for the Paradip Inner Harbour, and the ₹4,695-crore Bhadrak-Vizianagaram third railway line.
Sonowal also noted that the National Waterway-5, which will link Talcher and Angul with Kalinganagar as well as the Paradip and Dhamra ports, is currently under consideration for approval. This inland waterway project is expected to be operational within five years.
The minister mentioned that this ongoing push for maritime infrastructure is anticipated to create over 25,000 direct and indirect jobs. In addition to physical infrastructure, coastal skill development programs are being implemented under DDU-GKY to cultivate a skilled workforce for the industry.
Sagarmala serves as the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, aimed at promoting port-led development throughout India. The program offers financial support for projects across five main areas: port modernization, port connectivity, port-led industrialization, coastal community development, and coastal shipping and inland water transport, with the goal of lowering logistics costs and enhancing multimodal connectivity.
