Reclaiming the Coastline

In just one year, Odisha's maritime landscape has shifted from potential to performance, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi steers the state into a new era of port-led prosperity

- ANUPURBA GHOSH

Odisha has always held strategic importance in India's maritime map. Under the Majhi government, the state's port sector is swiftly moving to global prominence. Historically, Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur led the way; now, new plans promise even more growth.

Paradip's Record Rise

Paradip Port is at the heart of this turnaround. In FY 2024-25, it set a national record, handling 150.41 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo — an 111 per cent leap in container traffic, showing a shift from raw goods to higher-value manufactured items. Coastal cargo volumes hit 63.71 MMT. Rail cargo reached 81.01 MMT, another national best. Its berth output was also nation-leading at 34,283 MT/day/berth.

New Ports, New Promise