Odisha Gears Up for India Maritime Week 2025: Usha Padhee Reviews Preparations

Bhubaneswar: A preparatory meeting on Odisha’s participation in India Maritime Week 2025 was held under the chairmanship of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department. Senior officials from Paradip Port, Dhamra Port, Gopalpur Port, and Subarnarekha Port, along with representatives from various departments and agencies, participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

At the outset, Padhee highlighted the significance of India Maritime Week as a premier national event that provides a unique platform for states to showcase their maritime strengths, investment potential, and policy initiatives. She noted that Odisha, with its long coastline and rich maritime heritage, is strategically positioned to emerge as a key gateway for trade and commerce on the eastern seaboard.

The meeting reviewed the progress of several preparatory activities, including Odisha’s participation in the exhibition and thematic sessions, the presentation of the state’s maritime initiatives and future investment opportunities, and coordination for the participation of ports, shipping lines, and allied sectors. Discussions also focused on the preparation of sectoral reports, communication materials highlighting port-led growth, and the identification of major infrastructure and policy achievements to be showcased during the event.

Emphasising the need for synergy among all ports and departments, Padhee directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan with defined timelines to ensure infrastructure readiness, stakeholder engagement, and outreach to investors and industry leaders. She stated that India Maritime Week 2025 will not only highlight Odisha’s existing port infrastructure but also project the state as a hub for shipbuilding, coastal shipping, inland waterways, and blue economy initiatives.

Concluding the meeting, Padhee urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination to ensure that Odisha’s participation in India Maritime Week 2025 is impactful, well-represented, and aligned with the state’s broader vision of sustainable maritime development.