In a bid to develop ports, port-based maritime and manufacturing zones, the Sagarmala Programme will soon be implemented in Odisha jointly by the Centre and the state government.
This was revealed by Chief Secretary G C Pati, while inaugurating a national-level meet here.
Stating that port was an integral part of the logistic chain for industrial and economic development of the state, Pati said all major and minor ports, railways, inland waterways, mining and industrial establishments must operate in synergy to keep up the higher economic growth.
He also proposed an industrial corridor from Paradip to Kalinganagar.
Joining the meet Dr Alok Srivastava, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Shipping said the objectives of the Sagaramala Programme was to improve operational efficiency of the ports, putting in place multi-modal logistic solutions for cost effective movement of cargo, harvesting inland and coastal shipping potentials, developing port-based industrial activities and improving living standards of the people in coastal zones.
Presentations made in the meeting revealed India has 7,500 km coastline, 12 major and 200 non-major ports.
At present, 95 per cent of India's trade by volume and 70 per cent of trade by value were being carried through maritime transport in which Odisha has a significant share.
"The programme envisages developing three to four mega ports in the state with one world class transshipment port. Development of maritime and manufacturing clusters around the ports in Odisha is also envisioned in it," Srivastava added.
