Bhubaneswar: Odisha has emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Centre’s ambitious Sagarmala Programme, with 58 port-linked infrastructure projects worth more than ₹56,350 crore either approved or under different stages of implementation. The large-scale investment is expected to significantly strengthen the state’s maritime infrastructure, logistics network, cargo handling capacity and employment opportunities.
The information was shared in the Rajya Sabha by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in response to a question raised by BJD MP Sasmit Patra.
58 Projects Worth Over ₹56,350 Crore
According to the minister, six projects worth ₹350 crore have been sanctioned directly under the Sagarmala Scheme, while 52 additional projects, valued at nearly ₹56,000 crore, are being executed by various central and state agencies.
These projects are being implemented by organisations including the Paradip Port Authority, Odisha government departments, Indian Railways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Container Corporation of India (CONCOR).
Once completed, the projects are expected to create an additional cargo handling capacity of nearly 83 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), further establishing Odisha as one of India’s leading maritime and logistics gateways.
Six Centrally Funded Projects
Among the projects funded directly under the Sagarmala Programme are several initiatives aimed at improving coastal connectivity and fisheries infrastructure.
These include:
- Ro-Pax jetty between Kaninali (Bhadrak) and Talchua (Kendrapara)
- Ro-Pax jetty connecting Balugaon (Khordha) and Krishnaprasad Gada (Puri)
- Modernisation of the Paradip Fishing Harbour
- Development of a new fishing harbour at Chandipur in Balasore
- Two skill development initiatives under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
The Union Minister informed the House that five of these six projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Major Infrastructure Projects Across Odisha
Apart from the centrally funded initiatives, the larger investment portfolio includes major road, rail, logistics and port infrastructure projects around Paradip, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Astaranga and Subarnarekha ports.
Several key projects have already been completed, including:
- Haridaspur–Paradip railway line
- Angul–Sukinda railway line
- Paradip Multi-Modal Logistics Park
- Duburi–Panikoili road project
These completed projects have already strengthened cargo movement and improved connectivity between Odisha’s industrial regions and its ports.
Mega Projects Underway
A number of high-value infrastructure projects are currently under implementation across the state.
Some of the biggest ongoing projects include:
- ₹7,600 crore Smart Industrial Port City at Paradip
- ₹3,005 crore expansion of Paradip Port’s Inner Harbour
- ₹4,695 crore third railway line between Bhadrak and Vizianagaram
- ₹3,747 crore Duburi–Chandikhole–Paradip National Highway project
These projects are expected to improve freight movement, reduce logistics costs and enhance Odisha’s competitiveness as a manufacturing and export hub.
National Waterway-5 Awaiting Approval
The Union Minister also informed Parliament that the proposed National Waterway-5, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27, is currently awaiting approval.
Once implemented, the inland waterway will connect the mineral-rich regions of Talcher and Angul with major industrial centres such as Kalinganagar, while providing direct connectivity to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra.
The project is expected to provide an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for coal, steel, minerals and other bulk cargo.
Significant Employment Generation
The Centre estimates that the six Sagarmala-funded projects alone will generate around 2,000 employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, the broader portfolio of 52 major infrastructure projects is expected to create more than 25,000 direct and indirect jobs, providing a major boost to economic activity, industrial development and livelihoods across Odisha.
The large-scale investments are also expected to improve coastal connectivity, enhance port efficiency, strengthen multimodal logistics infrastructure and reinforce Odisha’s position as one of India’s fastest-growing maritime states.
