In an apparent attempt to facilitate the promotion of private sector investments into the maritime sector of the state, Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved the Odisha Port Policy 2022 formulated by the Commerce & Transport Department for the holistic development of the maritime ecosystem.
The policy will help Odisha emerge as a favoured investment destination, promoting the idea of #kalingadvantage and providing employment opportunities to the youths of the State, an official statement issued by the government said.
This policy aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for integrated development of non-major ports and inland waterways of Odisha, it said.
Currently, the State has 14 notified Non-Major ports, out of which the ports at Dhamra and Gopalpur are already functioning, while the ports at Astaranga and Subarnarekha Mouth (Kirtania) are currently under construction. This policy seeks to aid and promote development of Ports and Port-led industrial development through improved port linking infrastructure, it stated
The Policy also promotes other maritime ventures such as Coastal Shipping, promotion of Marine Tourism, Multipurpose harbours, and introduction of Sea- plane connectivity, promotion of facilities and creation of infrastructure for ship building and ship breaking and related activities
Greater focus has been placed on adoption of latest technology and creating sustainable maritime development along the Odisha coast, it concluded.