Paradeep, Odisha: On World Maritime Day, we celebrate Odisha’s rich maritime heritage, with Paradeep Port standing as the country’s leading cargo hub. While Paradeep has become a crucial port for India’s maritime trade, the state still has untapped potential in the sector, with several key projects yet to be completed.
Although Paradeep Port is vital to India’s export economy, especially in minerals like iron ore, bauxite, and coal, there is still much work to be done. Odisha’s maritime legacy dates back to ancient times, but the revitalization of the state’s maritime training institutes remains an important yet unfinished task.
The state also celebrates its maritime history through events like the “Boita Bandana” (Boat Festival) during Kartika Purnima. The Odisha Maritime Academy in Paradeep, the state’s only maritime training center, continues to play a crucial role in educating future sailors, though its infrastructure needs expansion, especially to accommodate female students.
While the government has launched initiatives like the Sagarmala Project to improve port infrastructure, many other ports in the state, including Ganjam and Dhamra, remain underdeveloped. To harness Odisha’s full maritime potential, continued focus on infrastructure, education, and port development is essential.