Bhubaneswar: Odisha reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming its maritime legacy and emerging as a leading coastal economy during the 6th Board Meeting of the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB), held today under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary Odisha Manoj Ahuja at Lokaseva Bhawan.
The high-level meeting was attended by Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary; Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries; Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport; Sanjib Mishra, Principal Secretary, Finance; along with senior officials from the Departments of Police, Revenue, Tourism, and other Board members.
As Odisha prepares to participate as a State Partner at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025, the Board reviewed key initiatives and finalized a comprehensive roadmap to position the state as a hub of sustainable maritime development. The focus areas include: Odisha will showcase its emergence as a key player in green hydrogen production and export, Emphasis on shipbuilding, ship repair and recycling, captive jetty development, and port-led industrial growth & Launch of initiatives to build a future-ready workforce for the maritime sector.
During IMW 2025, the state will formally unveil the Odisha Inland Vessel Rules, 2025, reinforcing regulatory support for inland water transport. In a bid to enhance infrastructure and tourism, strategic MoUs will be signed with the Indian Ports Association (IPA), Paradip Port Authority (PPA), Indian Port Rail & Ropeway Corporation Ltd. (IPRCL), and Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
Further, two key publications will be launched:
- A Coffee Table Book celebrating Odisha’s maritime journey from ancient Kalinga’s naval prowess to its modern-day maritime ambitions.
- A White Paper on the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP), outlining the long-term vision for integrated maritime development.
Chief Secretary Ahuja highlighted that Odisha, with its rich maritime history and 480-km coastline, is strategically positioned to become a national and global maritime leader. He emphasized the importance of sustainable, technology-driven initiatives to drive inclusive growth and revive the state’s historical prominence in maritime trade.
The Board resolved to work in mission mode to accelerate the implementation of ongoing and new initiatives, aligning with both state and national maritime objectives.
