In a significant push for India’s maritime sector, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, successfully organised a roadshow in Bhubaneswar titled “Transforming India’s Maritime Landscape: From Capacity to Vision.”
This event serves as a precursor to the India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, scheduled from October 27 to 31, 2025, in Mumbai. The roadshow highlighted Odisha’s strategic role in fostering sustainable maritime growth, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders, including industry leaders, government officials, and partners along the maritime value chain. Chief Guest Sampad Chandra Swain, Odisha’s Minister for Industries, Skill Development, and Technical Education, emphasised Odisha’s readiness to become India’s eastern maritime gateway and a hub for sustainable industrial growth. “Odisha’s maritime development agenda is seamlessly integrated with Viksit Bharat 2047,” Swain stated, spotlighting opportunities in the blue economy, inclusive skilling, and women’s participation. He pledged full state support for PPA’s proposed projects, including the Bahuda Port, a shipbuilding hub at the Mahanadi estuary in Kendrapara, and a cruise terminal in Puri. These initiatives, he noted, will propel Odisha toward its Viksit Odisha 2036 vision.
PPA Chairperson P.L. Haranadh delivered the welcome address, shedding light on India’s Maritime Vision 2047, focusing on sustainable trade growth, green shipping, and digital transformation. He revealed that IMW 2025 will be a five-day global forum featuring over 100 maritime nations, 200 international speakers, 500 exhibitors, and one lakh delegates. Discussions will cover port modernisation, capacity expansion, climate-resilient navigation, shipbuilding, insurance, finance, and maritime security. Haranadh highlighted that the Ministry aims to sign MoUs worth over Rs 10 lakh crore during the event, with PPA targeting over Rs 1 lakh crore. He referenced recent MoUs signed by the Odisha government during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s program in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, including Rs 21,500 crore for Bahuda Port, Rs 24,700 crore for the Mahanadi shipbuilding hub, and the Puri cruise terminal.
Lok Sabha MP Dr Bibhu Prasad Tarai praised the collaborative efforts between the Odisha and central governments to strengthen the state’s ports and maritime sector, paving the way for Odisha to emerge as a major maritime hub.
Principal Secretary for Housing & Urban Development and Commerce & Transport, Usha Padhee, outlined Odisha’s roadmap to scale port capacity from the current 80 million tonnes per annum to 500 million tonnes by 2047 through modernisation, new infrastructure, and the proposed Odisha Maritime Board. Aligning with the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, she called for greater private participation, sustainable infrastructure, and innovation, while stressing the need to boost women’s involvement in the sector for inclusive growth.
Additional Chief Secretary for Industries and IPICOL Chairperson Hemant Sharma highlighted the deep synergy between Odisha’s industrial growth and maritime sector, noting the state’s economy is growing at 8-9%, outpacing the national average. He emphasised the need for robust global value chains and mentioned that post-recent MoUs with PPA, investors are lining up for shipbuilding and repair facilities.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by PPA Deputy Chairperson (In-Charge) A.K. Sahu. The event featured two panel discussions: one on cargo efficiency and growth, and another on digital pathways for smart ports via IT and e-governance. Knowledge partner Grant Thornton and industry partner ASSOCHAM supported the program.
This roadshow underscores Odisha’s pivotal role in India’s maritime ambitions, fostering investments and innovations that promise economic transformation and sustainability.
