The Government of India has approved a plan involving Paradip Port Authority, Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation to jointly build a major new port in Odisha at a cost of ₹21,500 crore. The project is part of a broader strategy to expand maritime infrastructure along India’s eastern coast and strengthen trade capacity.
The proposed port will be constructed under joint control of the three entities and will function as a major hub for cargo movement in the Bay of Bengal region. Its capacity and operational timeline are being finalised though officials indicate that the port is expected to alleviate pressure on existing ports by handling significant volumes of dry and liquid cargo, helping reduce logistical bottlenecks for exporters and importers.
This investment forms a key component of the national Sagarmala programme which seeks to modernise ports and coastal infrastructure, improve connectivity, and energise port-led industrial development. By situating the new facility in Odisha the authorities aim to tap into both mineral and industrial hinterlands while improving access by road and rail to under served regions.
Local leaders believe the new port will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs during construction and subsequent operations. It is expected to spur economic activity in adjacent districts and attract industrial investment, warehousing, and allied services.
Challenges remain however. Land acquisition, environmental clearances, and connectivity to existing transportation networks must be addressed efficiently. Funding and implementation models are likely to involve a mix of public and private participation since such port projects require large capital outlays and long lead times.
If completed according to plans, the port will reinforce India’s eastern seaboard as a trade corridor, improve resilience in cargo logistics and reduce reliance on western ports. For Odisha and its maritime ambitions this is a step towards becoming not merely a transit region but a central node in national infrastructure growth.
