Odisha is charting a bold course to revive its ancient maritime glory and position itself as a powerhouse coastal economy, as decided during the 6th Board Meeting of the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB).
Chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhawan, the meeting underscored the state’s strategic ambitions ahead of its role as a State Partner at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025.
The gathering drew key dignitaries, including Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary; Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries; Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport; Sanjib Mishra, Principal Secretary, Finance; as well as senior officials from the Departments of Police, Revenue, Tourism, and other Board members.
With IMW 2025 on the horizon, the Board delved into pivotal initiatives and mapped out a detailed roadmap to establish Odisha as a centre for sustainable maritime progress. Core priorities highlighted include showcasing the state’s rise in green hydrogen production and export; bolstering shipbuilding, ship repair, and recycling; advancing captive jetty development; and fostering port-led industrial expansion. Additionally, the meeting spotlighted efforts to cultivate a skilled, future-oriented workforce for the maritime industry.
A major highlight will be the official launch of the Odisha Inland Vessel Rules, 2025, at IMW 2025, which aims to strengthen oversight and promote inland water transport. To amplify infrastructure and tourism synergies, the state plans to ink strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Indian Ports Association (IPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd. (IPRCL), and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
The session will also feature the release of two landmark publications: a visually stunning Coffee Table Book tracing Odisha’s maritime odyssey from the naval might of ancient Kalinga to contemporary aspirations, and a White Paper on the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP), which lays out a visionary blueprint for holistic maritime advancement.
Chief Secretary Ahuja emphasised Odisha’s inherent strengths, noting its storied maritime heritage and 480-km coastline as prime assets for ascending to national and global maritime prominence. He stressed the need for eco-friendly, tech-infused strategies to spur equitable growth and resurrect the state’s legacy in sea trade.
In a unified push, the Board committed to a “mission mode” approach, fast-tracking the rollout of current and emerging projects in sync with state and national maritime goals.
