Odisha to Enhance Maritime Infrastructure with New Inchuri and Bahuda Ports.

The Odisha government is set to expand its maritime infrastructure by establishing two new seaports, complementing its existing network of three ports at Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur.

Industries Secretary Hemant Sharma announced on Wednesday that Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has approved the development of new ports at Inchuri in Balasore district, located in the northern part of Odisha, and Bahuda in Ganjam district in the southern region of the state. Interest from potential investors has been encouraging, he said.

To support the development of these new ports, the Odisha government is planning to sign an agreement with PSA Singapore, a global port group with a presence in 45 countries, in January to secure technical assistance.

“The government will adopt a transparent selection process to involve private parties in the development of the new ports under a public-private partnership model,” Sharma told The Times of India.

Additionally, a prominent shipbuilding and repair company has expressed interest in setting up a shipyard facility at one of the new ports, government sources revealed.

The Odisha government is also focused on fostering industrial expansion around the existing Gopalpur and Dhamra ports. Recently, the government approved a Rs 6,000 crore investment by Orissa Metallurgical Industry Private Limited for an integrated steel plant near Dhamra port in Bhadrak district. Moreover, multiple investment proposals, particularly in the chemical and petrochemical sectors, are being considered for the Gopalpur port, with announcements expected during the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha Investors Summit on January 28 and 29.

By 2030, Odisha aims to elevate its port cargo handling capacity to over 500 million tonnes per annum, compared to the current capacity of around 290 MTPA. The state also targets annual export growth of 20%, positioning it as a key player in India’s industrial resurgence.

Although the government has identified a total of 14 potential non-major port locations, it has focused its immediate efforts on Inchuri and Bahuda after a thorough assessment of investment potential. Previous plans for the development of the Palur port in Ganjam district faced challenges due to land issues.

ET