Finance
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke during the Boita Bandana Festival 2025 at Paradip Port about Odisha’s rich maritime legacy, the state’s economic accomplishments, and the importance of port-based development in altering the region.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister stated that Boita Bandana and Baliyatra are more than just festivals; they represent Odisha’s great maritime culture and the adventurous spirit of its forefathers.
“This legacy continues to inspire the people of Odisha, showing that with courage and perseverance, they can reach new heights,” he added.
The Chief Minister emphasised the strategic role of Paradip Port in the state’s development.
“In 2015, the port handled 71 million tonnes of cargo. Today, in 2025, this has increased to 150 million tonnes. Paradip Port is not only the gateway to modern Odisha but also a cornerstone of its economy,” he said.
He announced that under the “Maritime India Vision 2030”, Paradip Port will be developed as a mega port with an annual cargo-handling capacity of 300 million tonnes, which could expand to 500 million tonnes under the “Viksit Bharat 2047” plan.
The Chief Minister also unveiled plans for a shipbuilding and repair facility in the Mahanadi estuary, valued at Rs 24,700 crore, and a new, sizable port at Bahuda in Ganjam district, with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore. A top-notch cruise terminal will also be built in Puri.
“These projects will provide new momentum to Odisha’s trade, tourism, and industrial sectors,” he said.
Highlighting Odisha’s efforts in creating a port-based economy, Majhi said the state is coordinating with the Union government’s Sagarmala, Gati Shakti, and National Logistics Policy initiatives. Coastal Economic Zones are also being planned along the state’s coastline. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has entered a new era of maritime trade, and the country’s ports are set to gain global significance under the “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.”
The government is focusing especially on infrastructure, employment creation, industrial growth, and skill development, with Paradip Port as its core, according to Industries, Skill growth & Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain.
“Paradip is not just a port; it reflects Odisha’s vast potential and its contribution to building a new India,” he added.
Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai said new industrial, educational, and transport projects around Paradip Port will transform the economic landscape of Jagatsinghpur and the state.
“The success of Paradip Port is a matter of pride and hope for Odisha’s future,” he noted.
Paradip Port Chairman P.L. Haranadh added that over the past four years, the port has consistently broken records, surpassing achievements of the previous fifty years.
“Improved capacity, operational efficiency, skill development, and the dedication of ‘Team Paradip’ have made it India’s number one port,” he said.
Jagatsinghpur District Collector J. Sonal, DIG of Police CR, Cuttack Satyajit Naik, and Alekha Charan Sahoo, Deputy Chairman of Paradip Port, were among the other dignitaries in attendance.
