Bhubaneswar: The Commerce and Transport Department today convened a high-level consultative workshop in Bhubaneswar to discuss the draft Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP) — a strategic roadmap that envisions transforming the State into a globally competitive maritime hub by 2050.
The workshop, chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport Department, was held at the 8th Floor Conference Hall, Kharavel Bhavan. Senior officials and key stakeholders from multiple departments and agencies participated to provide critical inputs towards 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 national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring seamless integration between Odisha’s and India’s maritime growth agendas.
Experts from NTCPWC presented the key features of the draft plan, which outlines a phased and sustainable roadmap to unlock the full potential of Odisha’s 575-km coastline and vast river network. The Plan is built around six strategic pillars:
1.Enhancing existing port infrastructure and developing new ports to boost maritime trade and logistics.
2.Strengthening multimodal connectivity between ports, waterways, and hinterland logistics.
3.Promoting fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism to foster sustainable livelihoods.
4.Building climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable coastal assets.
5.Developing human capital for the evolving maritime economy.
6.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) participated in the deliberations.
Purnendu Mishra from FROST also contributed valuable insights during the discussion.
The participants held detailed discussions on integrating port development, fisheries, and waterways with hinterland logistics, while ensuring inclusive and environmentally responsible coastal development.
Addressing the session, Padhee emphasised the need for evidence-based planning and strong inter-departmental coordination to realise Odisha’s vision of becoming a leading maritime state by 2047. She described the OMPP as a “living document” that will guide the State’s maritime development through clear timelines and measurable performance indicators.
All participating departments and agencies have been invited to share their feedback to refine the draft OMPP before its final submission to the Government. Once approved, the Plan will serve as a definitive blueprint for Odisha’s maritime and logistics growth — positioning the State as the maritime gateway of Eastern India.
