Odisha Charts Bold Maritime Future at 6th OMB Board Meeting
Bhubaneswar: In a strategic push to reclaim its ancient maritime legacy and emerge as a coastal economic powerhouse, Odisha convened the 6th Board Meeting of the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the meeting laid out a visionary roadmap ahead of the state’s participation as a State Partner at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025.
Senior officials including Anu Garg (Development Commissioner), Hemant Sharma (Industries), Usha Padhee (Commerce & Transport), and Sanjib Mishra (Finance) joined representatives from Police, Revenue, Tourism, and other departments to align on key priorities.
The Board spotlighted Odisha’s rise in green hydrogen production and export, expansion of shipbuilding and recycling infrastructure, and development of captive jetties to fuel port-led industrial growth.
Ahuja emphasised the state’s 480-km coastline and rich maritime heritage as strategic assets for global prominence.
A major announcement was the upcoming launch of the Odisha Inland Vessel Rules, 2025, at IMW, aimed at strengthening inland water transport governance.
The state also plans to sign MoUs with IPA, PPA, IPRCL, and IWAI to boost infrastructure and tourism synergies.
Two landmark publications will debut at IMW: a Coffee Table Book tracing Odisha’s maritime journey from ancient Kalinga to modern aspirations, and a White Paper on the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP), outlining a holistic development blueprint.
The Board committed to a “mission mode” approach to fast-track projects in sync with national maritime goals, positioning Odisha as a sustainable, tech-driven maritime leader.
