Odisha to Build Ship Recycling Hub, Ports, and Boost Rail Connectivity

10 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Odisha government has announced plans to develop a Rs 40 billion ship recycling hub near the Paradip port, alongside the establishment of two new ports with private sector collaboration, according to Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Industry Department. The state is also preparing to support investments in railway infrastructure to facilitate the evacuation of minerals and coal. Sharma noted that hydrogen manufacturing facilities in Odisha are set to commence production by the end of 2026. A major shipbuilding and repair centre will be developed in partnership with the Paradip Port Authority (PPA). Additionally, the new ports, located at Inchuri in North Odisha and Bahuda in South Odisha, will each have a capacity of at least 40 million tonnes. Odisha is also focusing on the technology sector, with plans to encourage the development of data centres and global capability centers (GCCs). The government is drafting policies for both initiatives and has allocated 250 acres south of Bhubaneswar to establish an electronic city. On rail infrastructure, Sharma revealed that the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line is being doubled under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with state equity involvement. The state is committed to providing additional equity if necessary to expedite critical projects. He added that the current railway corridors are adequate to handle the existing coal transportation needs. These initiatives are part of Odisha’s broader strategy to enhance industrial and infrastructure capabilities while attracting private investment. (ET)

Infrastructure Transport

17 Sep 2025

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