Kendrapara, Sept 20: In a landmark development for Odisha’s Kendrapara district, the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) and the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a massive shipbuilding and repair cluster along the banks of the Mahanadi River.
The ambitious project, with an estimated investment of ₹24,700 crore, will be developed opposite the IFFCO plant, marking a transformative step for the region’s industrial and economic landscape.
A Vision for Coastal Industrial Growth
The upcoming shipbuilding cluster is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in eastern India, and a strategic move to harness Odisha’s long coastline and maritime potential. Officials said the project will not only strengthen India’s shipbuilding capabilities but also create a new hub of economic activity in Kendrapara.
“This is a proud moment for Kendrapara. The project will open up vast employment opportunities and bring in global-level infrastructure and investment to our region,” said a senior official from the Odisha Maritime Board.
Employment and Economic Impact
The project is anticipated to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, benefiting local youth, skilled workers, and small businesses. It will include facilities for ship design, construction, maintenance, and repair, along with training centres to skill the local workforce.
With Odisha emerging as a key player in India’s maritime and industrial growth, this development is likely to attract ancillary industries, logistics providers, and global investors to the region.
Strategic Location
The site’s location — on the Mahanadi riverbank, directly opposite the IFFCO fertilizer plant — offers a strategic advantage due to its proximity to Paradip Port, deep-draft river access, and connectivity to major highways and railway lines. This makes it ideal for both domestic and international shipbuilding operations.
A Step Toward Self-Reliant India
The move aligns with the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and the state’s push toward Blue Economy development. The Kendrapara cluster will support India’s ambition to become a global hub for maritime trade and shipbuilding.
Following the MoU, detailed project planning, environmental clearances, and land development activities will begin soon. Authorities are optimistic that ground-level work may start in the coming months.
For the people of Kendrapara, this isn’t just another industrial project — it’s a sign of long-awaited recognition, hope, and new beginnings.