Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt on Thursday signed two major concession agreements, promising a combined investment of over Rs 18,000 crore in maritime trade infrastructure whis expected to create 8,450 jobs.

Gopalpur Ports Limited committed to a Rs 16,554 crore investment to expand and develop the Adani Group-controlled Gopalpur Port. This will increase the port's cargo handling capacity to 50 million metric tonnes (MMT) - from the current 20MMT and generate approximately 5,000 jobs, further solidifying Odisha's position as a key player in maritime trade, a govt statement said.

JSW Utkal Steel Limited, a subsidiary of Sajjan Jindal-led JSW Group, is likely to invest Rs 2,100 crore for the construction of a 52 million tonne cargo handling jetty at Jatadhara river mouth near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district. This project is expected to generate 3,450 direct and indirect jobs, significantly enhancing the region's economic landscape, the statement added.

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who was present at the signing ceremony, emphasised the state's focus on development of maritime trade, highlighting plans for new ports at Inchudi and Bahuda, alongside development initiatives for Subarnarekha and Astaranga ports.

The agreements were signed in the presence of key industry leaders, including Anil Kumar Singh, president of JSW Utkal Steel Limited, and Sandeep Jaiswal, business head of Gopalpur Ports Limited. The CM expressed confidence that these projects, led by globally renowned companies, will usher in a new era of port-led development in Odisha.

Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena reiterated the importance of developing ports and jetty in the state's overall growth strategy, aiming to leverage Odisha's extensive coastline for further infrastructural development.

The government's vision for 2036 and 2047 includes ensuring adequate port capacity to support coastal shipping operations. Plans are underway to increase Paradip Port's capacity from its current 289 MMTPA to 300 MMTPA, while also expanding non-major port capacity in the state to 200 MMTPA by 2036.

To enhance coastal connectivity, the govt intends to develop eight new non-major ports in addition to the existing Dhamra and Gopalpur ports. Furthermore, there are strategic plans to transform Gopalpur and Paradip into green energy hubs, with a focus on developing green hydrogen, ammonia, and integrated port-based industrial ecosystems.