Paradip: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday inaugurated the Kalinga Bali Yatra at Paradip, calling it a celebration of Odisha’s maritime heritage and a symbol of the courage and enterprise of the state’s ancient seafarers.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister announced that Paradip will be developed as a Green Hydrogen Hub, marking a major step towards sustainable industrial growth in eastern India. To further strengthen Paradip’s economic and tourism potential, he also declared plans to construct a cruise terminal on the Mangala River and said the state government has allocated ₹500 crore for the project.
Majhi added that a new airport will soon come up in Paradip, connecting the port city not only by waterways and roadways but also by air, and positioning it as the gateway to Odisha’s economic progress.
“Paradip has become the face of development in eastern India. From here begins a new chapter of Odisha’s advancement,” the Chief Minister said, describing the region as a vital centre for industry, commerce, and employment.
He said that the Kalinga Bali Yatra is not just a cultural celebration but a tribute to the state’s glorious maritime past, when Odia merchants established trade and cultural ties with Suvarna Dwipa and other nations across the seas.
Highlighting the state government’s vision for port-led development, Majhi said that Paradip’s growth will be part of a broader strategy to develop a Bhubaneswar–Khordha–Jatani–Cuttack–Paradip–Puri metropolitan corridor, promote tourism along Paradip beach, and create an industrial corridor to attract major investments.
“Jagatsinghpur district, especially the Paradip region, will witness unprecedented development in the coming years. With double-engine governance, this development will move at double speed,” Majhi said, adding that Paradip has now become a “triple-engine” model of growth, driven by synergy between local representatives, the state government, and industry.
He also noted that global companies have already established or expressed interest in setting up industries in the region, which will boost industrialization, employment generation, and the local economy.
Industries and Skill Development Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, who also spoke at the event, said the Chief Minister has not only revived the historical essence of the Bali Yatra but is also demonstrating his commitment to building a prosperous Odisha through concrete action.
The event was attended by Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, Tirtol MLA Ramakanta Bhoi, and Paradip Port Authority Chairman P.L. Haranadh.
District Collector J. Sonal welcomed the gathering, while SP Ankit Kumar Verma proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was anchored by District Information and Public Relations Officer Pratichya Tanaya Mohanty.
