Important Ports of Odisha
Odisha, with its 480 km long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, has several significant ports that play a crucial role in the state’s economy and maritime trade. Here are the important ports of Odisha:
Table of Contents
Major Ports
- Paradip Port
- Largest and only major port in Odisha
- Located at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and Bay of Bengal
- Established in 1962, gained major port status in 1966
- Handles primarily bulk cargo including iron ore, coal, chrome ore, manganese, and thermal coal
- One of India’s largest cargo handling ports by volume
- Strategic importance for mineral exports from eastern India
- Has mechanical ore handling plants and deep draft for large vessels
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Minor/Intermediate Ports
- Dhamra Port
- Located in Bhadrak district at the mouth of Dhamra River
- Developed as a public-private partnership (now operated by Adani Group)
- Deep draft port capable of handling large cape-size vessels
- Specializes in coal, limestone, and iron ore exports
- Connected to the Howrah-Chennai rail corridor
- Rapidly growing in capacity and importance
- Gopalpur Port
- Located in Ganjam district
- Originally a fairweather port, now developed as an all-weather port
- Handles mainly bulk cargo including iron ore, coal, and fertilizers
- Operated under public-private partnership
- Strategic for southern Odisha’s industrial corridor
- Astaranga Port (Developing)
- Located in Puri district
- Under development as part of Odisha’s port modernization initiatives
- Will serve the central coastal region of Odisha
- Chandipur Port (Developing)
- Located in Balasore district
- Known for its “disappearing sea” phenomenon with high tidal variations
- Being developed as a minor port
- Strategic location near the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) missile testing facility
- Bahabalpur Port (Developing)
- Located in Balasore district
- Part of Odisha’s port development plan to enhance maritime infrastructure
- Palur Port (Historical)
- Ancient port in Ganjam district
- Historical significance in ancient maritime trade
- Currently not operational as a modern commercial port
Strategic Importance Important Ports of Odisha
- These ports are crucial for the export of minerals (iron ore, coal, chromite) from Odisha’s rich mining districts
- Support Odisha’s industrial corridors, particularly steel, aluminum, and petrochemical industries
- Part of the East Coast Economic Corridor development
- Essential for implementing the national Sagarmala project in the eastern region
- Create significant employment and economic opportunities in coastal districts
- Strategically positioned for trade with Southeast Asian countries as part of India’s “Act East” policy
The development and expansion of these ports continue to be a priority for Odisha’s economic growth, with several modernization and capacity enhancement projects currently underway.