Bhubaneswar: Preparation for chalking out the Odisha Maritime Prospective Plan 2050 (OMPP-2050) was fast tracked on Wednesady with Odisha Commerce and Transport Department holding a High-Level Consultative Workshop under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Ms. Usha Padhee.
The session brought together senior officials and key stakeholders from multiple departments and agencies to provide critical inputs for finalising the State’s long-term maritime strategy.
OMPP would be a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming Odisha into a globally competitive maritime State.
The Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (2025–2050) is being prepared by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, the technical consultant for the project. The Plan is strategically aligned with major national initiatives such as Sagarmala, PM Gati Shakti, and the Maritime India Vision 2030, ensuring full integration between State and national maritime development goals.
Experts from NTCPWC, IIT Madras presented the key features of the draft Plan, which lays out a phased and sustainable roadmap to unlock the full potential of Odisha’s 575-km coastline and vast network of rivers.
The OMPP is structured around six strategic pillars: Enhancing existing port infrastructure and developing new ports to boost maritime trade and logistics. Strengthening multimodal connectivity by linking ports and waterways with hinterland logistics. Promoting fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal tourism to create sustainable livelihoods. Building environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient coastal assets. Developing human capital to meet the needs of the growing maritime economy.Establishing hubs for shipbuilding, ship repair, and port-based industries.
Senior representatives from the Odisha Maritime Board, Directorate of Ports & Inland Water Transport, Tourism Department, Steel & Mines Department, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, Fisheries Department, and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) actively participated in the deliberations.
Dr. Purnendu Mishra from FROST also attended and shared valuable insights during the discussions.
Ms. Padhee underscored the importance of evidence-based planning and inter-departmental coordination to realise Odisha’s vision of becoming a leading maritime state by 2047. She noted that the OMPP would serve as a living document, guiding the State’s efforts with clear timelines and performance indicators.
