₹18,000 Cr Investment Paves the Way for Odisha’s Port Expansion and Green Energy Development
Bhubaneswar, June 27, 2025
The Odisha government has signed two landmark concession agreements worth over ₹18,000 crore aimed at significantly enhancing maritime infrastructure and green energy development in the state. These investments are expected to generate approximately 8,450 direct and indirect jobs across the region.
Under the first agreement, Gopalpur Ports Limited, operated by Adani Ports & SEZ, will invest ₹16,554 crore to expand the cargo handling capacity of Gopalpur Port from 20 to 50 million metric tonnes annually. This enhancement is projected to create around 5,000 employment opportunities, reinforcing the port’s role in the region’s maritime trade.
Simultaneously, JSW Utkal Steel Limited, a subsidiary of the JSW Group, will invest ₹2,100 crore to construct a captive jetty at Jatadhara (Jatadhari) at the mouth of the Jatadhara River near Paradip. This facility is designed to handle 52 million tonnes of cargo annually and is expected to support approximately 3,450 jobs near Paradip.
At the signing ceremony held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to port-led development. He highlighted the state’s broader plans, including the development of new ports at Inchudi and Bahuda and upgrades to Subarnarekha and Astaranga ports. The government’s long-term strategy also includes increasing Paradip Port’s capacity from 289 to 300 MMTPA and expanding non-major port capacity in Odisha to 200 MMTPA by 2036.
A major highlight of these agreements involves the creation of green energy hubs at Gopalpur and Paradip. The plan includes developing infrastructure for green hydrogen and green ammonia production, along with port-integrated industrial ecosystems aimed at supporting sustainability and clean energy objectives. Odisha is already engaging in multi-billion‑dollar projects in its industrial park at Gopalpur, including several green hydrogen and ammonia facilities such as those by Hygenco, Ocior Energy, and other investors.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena emphasized the strategic significance of these port developments for Odisha’s industrial and economic growth. He noted that the state would identify additional coastal locations to develop non-major ports, jetties, fish landing harbours, and related infrastructure to further strengthen coastal connectivity.
These investments align with India’s national vision of a Blue Economy and the Sagarmala initiative aimed at fostering sustainable port-led development. They are expected to boost regional logistics, reduce overland transport dependence, and support future exports of green energy products while significantly benefiting local communities through employment and economic opportunities.
About the Ports
Gopalpur Port, a deep-sea natural harbour with a draft depth up to 14.5 m, has been operational since 2013 and handles a range of dry bulk cargo including iron ore, coal, limestone, and alumina.
Paradip Port is an artificial lagoon-type harbour featuring a 2.2 km approach channel and water depths up to 18.7 m. The port is currently mechanizing four berths, adding three new ones, and planning a dedicated green hydrogen berth as part of its expansion to over 400 MMTPA capacity by 2027.
This combined investment of approximately ₹18,654 crore exemplifies Odisha’s growing momentum in integrating infrastructure development, renewable energy, and local economic empowerment.
