NewKerala.com

Odisha's Maritime Ambition: How CM Majhi Plans Eastern India Gateway

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced ambitious plans to position Odisha as Eastern India's maritime trade gateway. The state government is significantly boosting infrastructure with multiple port developments and massive investment in maritime projects. Bali Jatra festival funding has been quintupled to Rs 10 crore, recognizing its cultural and commercial significance. These initiatives align with Prime Minister Modi's 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' vision, combining heritage preservation with economic development.

Key Points: CM Majhi Announces Odisha Maritime Gateway Plan at Bali Jatra

  • Bali Jatra funding increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore annually
  • Development of 14 new small and medium ports across Odisha coastline
  • Rs 200 crore allocated for Mahanadi riverfront development in Cuttack
  • Rs 21,500 crore earmarked for Bahuda Port, state's second-largest port
  • UNESCO World Heritage status sought for historic Bali Jatra festival
  • Shipbuilding center planned near Paradip with Rs 24,700 crore investment
3 min read

Odisha to emerge as gateway of eastern India in maritime trade sector: CM Majhi

Odisha CM Majhi unveils ambitious maritime trade vision with enhanced Bali Jatra funding, port development projects, and riverfront beautification initiatives.

"Odisha will emerge as the gateway of maritime trade in Eastern India - Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi"

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday inaugurated the historic Bali Jatra festival in Cuttack, stating that the state government is making concerted efforts to ensure that Odisha emerges as the gateway of Eastern India in the maritime trade sector in the coming days.

The Chief Minister announced that the state government's financial support for organising the historic festival has been enhanced from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore from this year.

"Odisha will emerge as the gateway of maritime trade in Eastern India," the Chief Minister said.

Majhi stated that the historic event of Bali Jatra is a living symbol of the courage, determination, and rich maritime trade heritage of the people of Odisha.

"The Bali Jatra is a beautiful reflection of Odisha's glorious history. It is the largest cultural-cum-commercial fair in Eastern India, held on the banks of the Mahanadi River for a long time," he said.

The Chief Minister also announced that Cuttack, popularly known as the Silver City, will be developed as a hub for silver filigree works.

He also stated that efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the historic Bali Jatra.

He further informed that under the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Plan, Rs 200 crore has been allocated for the beautification of the Mahanadi riverbank in Cuttack.

Additionally, the government has launched initiatives to develop various heritage and religious sites along the Mahanadi River and in Cuttack city.

The Chief Minister stated that Bali Jatra is not just a commercial festival; it is deeply intertwined with the art, culture, and spiritual feelings of Odisha.

"Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' (Development along with Heritage), the state government is promoting both cultural heritage and development with renewed momentum," said CM Majhi.

He further added that the state government is committed to utilising Odisha's maritime potential to develop a major port-based economy.

Apart from Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur ports, the state government is planning to develop 14 more small and medium ports in the coming days.

Port development projects are underway at Subarnarekha, Astaranga, and Jatadhari river mouths, noted Majhi.

He stated that the state government has earmarked Rs 21,500 crore for the development of Bahuda Port, which will be Odisha's second-largest port after the Paradip Port.

The state government is also planning to establish a shipbuilding and repair centre on the Mahanadi river mouth near Paradip at an estimated cost of Rs 24,700 crore.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
As someone from Cuttack, I'm thrilled to see our city getting this attention. The silver filigree hub development and riverfront beautification will create so many employment opportunities. Hope the execution matches the announcements!
M
Michael C
The scale of investment is impressive - ₹21,500 crore for Bahuda Port and ₹24,700 crore for shipbuilding centre. This could transform Odisha's economy and create eastern India's maritime corridor. Smart move!
S
Shreya B
While I appreciate the vision, I hope the environmental impact of developing 14 more ports is properly assessed. The Mahanadi ecosystem is already under stress. Development should be sustainable. 🌊
A
Aman W
Bali Jatra getting UNESCO recognition would be amazing! Our Odia culture and maritime history deserve global recognition. This is the perfect blend of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi' as PM Modi says.
N
Nisha Z
The shipbuilding centre near Paradip will be a game-changer for employment and skill development in eastern India. Hope local youth get proper training to benefit from these opportunities.
D
David E
Odisha's strategic location on the Bay of Bengal makes it perfect for maritime trade expansion. This could boost India's trade with Southeast Asia significantly. Great vision for regional

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50