High-Level Consultative Workshop on Maritime Perspective Plan aims to transform Odisha into globally competitive maritime state
Bhubaneswar(By Abhishek Mohanty): The Commerce and Transport Department, Government of Odisha, on Wednesday convened a High-Level Consultative Workshop on the preparation of the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP) — a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming Odisha into a globally competitive maritime state.
The workshop was chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, and held at the 8th Floor Conference Hall, Kharavel Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. The session brought together senior officials and key stakeholders from multiple departments and agencies to provide critical inputs for finalising the state’s long-term maritime strategy.
The Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (2025–2050) is being prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, the technical consultant for the project. The Plan is strategically aligned with major national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring full integration between State and national maritime development goals.
Experts from NTCPWC, IIT Madras presented the key features of the draft Plan, which lays out a phased and sustainable roadmap to unlock the full potential of Odisha’s 575-km coastline and vast network of rivers. The OMPP is structured around six strategic pillars- Enhancing existing port infrastructure and developing new ports to boost maritime trade and logistics, strengthening multimodal connectivity by linking ports and waterways with hinterland logistics, promoting fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism to create sustainable livelihoods, building environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient coastal assets, developing human capital to meet the needs of the growing maritime economy, establishing hubs for shipbuilding, ship repair, and port-based industries.
Senior representatives from the Odisha Maritime Board, Directorate of Ports & Inland Water Transport, Tourism Department, Steel & Mines Department, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Fisheries Department, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) actively participated in the deliberations.
Dr. Purnendu Mishra from FROST also attended and shared valuable insights during the discussions.
The meeting featured in-depth deliberations on integrating port development, fisheries, and waterways with hinterland logistics, along with strategies for inclusive and environmentally responsible coastal development.
Speaking on the occasion, Padhee underscored the importance of evidence-based planning and inter-departmental coordination to realise Odisha’s vision of becoming a leading maritime state by 2047. She noted that the OMPP would serve as a living document, guiding the state’s efforts with clear timelines and performance indicators.
All participating departments and agencies were invited to share their feedback and suggestions to refine the draft OMPP before its final submission to the government. Once approved, the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan will serve as a definitive blueprint for the state’s maritime and logistics growth, positioning Odisha as the maritime gateway of Eastern India.
