"Odisha to Develop ₹4,000 Crore Ship Recycling Hub Near Paradip Port".

The Odisha government is set to support the establishment of a ₹4,000-crore ship recycling hub near Paradip Port, alongside plans to develop two new ports with private sector participation. Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary of the Industry Department, outlined these initiatives and highlighted ongoing efforts to boost infrastructure and industry in the state.

The proposed ship recycling hub, to be developed in collaboration with Paradip Port Authority (PPA), will create a major centre for shipbuilding and repair. Additionally, Sharma revealed plans for two new ports at Inchuri in North Odisha and Bahuda in South Odisha, each with a projected capacity of at least 40 million tonnes.

The government is also focusing on bolstering rail connectivity to facilitate mineral and coal evacuation. Sharma emphasized the state’s openness to private investments in railway infrastructure, noting that the Haridaspur-Paradip railway line is being doubled. Odisha is an equity holder in the special purpose vehicle (SPV) executing the project and stands ready to provide additional equity if required.

The state is also advancing its hydrogen manufacturing sector, with production expected to begin by the end of 2026. Sharma stated that Odisha is working on policies to encourage the development of data centers and global capability centers (GCCs) in the region. As part of this effort, around 250 acres south of Bhubaneswar have been identified for the creation of an electronic city.

Sharma further confirmed that Odisha is preparing data center and GCC policies to attract investment and boost the state's technological capabilities.

ET