Odisha is set to significantly enhance its maritime infrastructure following the signing of Concession Agreements for key port projects. These include the expansion of Gopalpur Port and the construction of a captive jetty at Jatadhari, Jagatsinghpur district. The combined investment for these ventures amounts to Rs 18,654 crore.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the strategic importance of these projects at the signing ceremony, stating their role in positioning Odisha as a major maritime trade center. Key highlights involve an investment of Rs 2,100 crore by JSW Utkal Steel Limited to construct a captive jetty at Jatadhari with a capacity of 52 million metric tonnes. Additionally, Gopalpur Ports Limited will invest Rs 16,554 crore to upgrade and expand Gopalpur Port. These projects are expected to generate a total of 8,450 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The captive jetty at Jatadhari, under Erasama tehsil in Jagatsinghpur, will be developed by JSW Utkal Steel Limited. This is expected to create roughly 3,450 jobs. The expansion of Gopalpur Port by Gopalpur Ports Limited (Adani Ports) aims to increase its cargo handling capacity to 50 MMT, leading to the creation of approximately 5,000 jobs. The government is focused on developing port infrastructure to promote sea trade. The Chief Minister also announced plans to establish new ports at Inchudi and Bahuda and is developing plans for Subarnarekha and Astaranga ports. Majhi expressed optimism that companies like Adani Ports and JSW Steel will drive port-led growth in Odisha.