In a significant boost to maritime trade and coastal infrastructure, the Odisha Government has signed two landmark Concession Agreements with JSW Utkal Steel Limited and Gopalpur Ports Limited.
The agreements aim to establish a captive jetty at Jatadhar river mouth in Jagatsinghpur district and upgrade the Gopalpur Port in Ganjam, with a combined investment of Rs 18,654 crore.
JSW Utkal Steel is set to invest Rs 2,100 crore to develop a jetty with a cargo handling capacity of 52 million metric tonnes, creating approximately 3,450 direct and indirect jobs. Similarly, Gopalpur Ports Limited, part of Adani Ports, has committed Rs 16,554 crore for the expansion and modernisation of Gopalpur Port, boosting its cargo capacity to 50 million tonnes and generating around 5,000 employment opportunities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised the state’s focus on port-led development. “The Government is prioritising the development of maritime trade in Odisha through strategic partnerships with private players,” he said.
The agreements were signed in the presence of key stakeholders, including officials from JSW, Adani, and senior members of the Odisha Government. The event also marked announcements for future port projects at Inchudi and Bahuda, and planned upgrades at Subarnarekha and Astaranga.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena reiterated the role of ports and jetties in Odisha’s holistic development. “The state’s long coastline presents significant opportunities for expanding fisheries harbours, coastal transport, and port-linked infrastructure,” he said.
The twin projects mark a turning point for Odisha’s maritime ambitions, paving the way for economic growth, industrial expansion, and employment generation through sustainable coastal development.
