Adani Ports, JSW Secure Agreements with Odisha Govt for Key Port Projects.

Odisha's maritime landscape is set to undergo a transformative expansion with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and JSW Utkal Steel Ltd signing significant concession agreements with the state government on Thursday. These deals, collectively valued at approximately ₹18,000 crore, are poised to create a substantial number of jobs and bolster the state's vision of becoming a key logistics and industrial hub on India's eastern coast.

Adani Ports to Transform Gopalpur into a Mega Hub

APSEZ, India’s largest private port operator, will invest around ₹15,000 crore to expand Gopalpur Port. This comes after APSEZ recently acquired a majority stake in Gopalpur Ports Ltd from Shapoorji Pallonji Group. APSEZ plans to submit a master plan to the Odisha government detailing its vision to develop Gopalpur into a mega port, significantly boosting its capacity.

Gopalpur Port, strategically located between the major ports of Paradip and Visakhapatnam, is expected to create strong synergies with APSEZ’s existing ports at Dhamra and Gangavaram, further solidifying its presence on the eastern coast.

Currently, Gopalpur Ports Ltd operates a 20 million tonnes (mt) capacity deep-water, multi-cargo port in Ganjam district. The Odisha government granted GPL a 30-year concession in 2006, with provisions for two 10-year extensions. The port handles a diverse array of dry bulk cargo, including iron ore, coal, limestone, ilmenite sand, and alumina, and is contractually obligated to pay a 7.5% revenue share to the Odisha government.

The port's flexibility in design and expansion, coupled with access to over 500 acres of leased land (with options for more), positions it as a critical asset for supporting the growth of mineral-based industries in its hinterland. Its robust connectivity via National Highway NH16 and a dedicated railway line linking to the Chennai-Howrah main line further enhances its logistical importance.

JSW to Establish Captive Jetty at Jatadhar Muhan

In a separate but equally impactful development, JSW Utkal Steel Ltd, a unit of Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group, will sign a concession agreement with the Odisha government’s Commerce and Transport Department. This agreement involves the construction of a captive jetty at Jatadhar Muhan in Erasama Tehsil, Jagatsinghpur district, with an investment of approximately ₹3,000 crore.

This captive jetty will serve as a vital logistical artery for JSW's integrated steel plant, ensuring seamless maritime access for both raw materials and finished goods. This will significantly enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on external ports. At its peak, the captive jetty is projected to handle 55 mt of cargo annually. Government sources indicate that JSW Utkal Steel has agreed to pay a royalty to the Odisha government ranging from ₹25-35 per tonne. The concession period for the captive port will be co-terminus with the port-dependent industry it serves.

Boosting Odisha's Industrial Future

These two agreements are poised to provide a substantial fillip to Odisha’s industrial landscape, driving regional growth and creating an estimated 8,500 new employment opportunities. The projects align with Odisha’s ambitious vision of becoming a leading logistics and industrial hub on the eastern coast, unlocking new avenues for port-led industrial development and strengthening India’s maritime economy in line with the Blue Economy and Sagarmala initiatives.

Black Brix (Kalinth Advisors Pvt Ltd) served as the transaction advisor for the Odisha government for both these landmark projects.