New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Odisha participated in the 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) Meeting held today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting, chaired by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, brought together Chief Ministers, Ministers, and senior officials from various states and the Central Government to discuss the future of India’s maritime sector.
The event featured key discussions on maritime infrastructure development under the Sagarmala Programme, including a review of project implementation, updates on the State Sagarmala Committee (SSC) and the State Maritime & Waterways Transport Committee (SMWTC), and deliberations on the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047—a strategic blueprint for India’s maritime expansion.
A significant focus was given to the conceptualisation of Sagarmala 2.0, which envisions enhanced port modernisation, seamless multimodal connectivity, and holistic coastal community development. Odisha’s ongoing maritime projects and strategic initiatives were prominently highlighted, showcasing its proactive approach to port-led development and blue economy growth.
Representing, Government of Odisha, Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department cum CEO, Odisha Maritime Board, commended the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways on a decade of transformative progress under the Sagarmala Programme and presented key projects from the state for inclusion in Sagarmala 2.0.
Odisha underscored its commitment to advancing maritime connectivity and trade through the Odisha State Maritime and Waterways Master Plan (OSMWMP). The state also highlighted its efforts to preserve and promote its rich maritime legacy through the State Pavilion at the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal, Gujarat. Additionally, discussions emphasized the proposed India Maritime Centre (IMC), envisioned as a hub for maritime research, training, and capacity building. Odisha also reiterated its strategic focus on strengthening national waterways, fostering shipbuilding and repair facilities, and leveraging its coastline for sustainable economic growth.
With a forward-looking approach, Odisha remains steadfast in its vision to emerge as a leader in maritime infrastructure, catalyzing regional trade and driving India’s blue economy aspirations under the Sagarmala Programme.
