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Bhubaneswar, Nov 5 (IANS) Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said the ‘Boita Bandana or Boat Festival’ and ‘Bali Jatra’, celebrated every year on the occasion of the holy Kartik Purnima, are not mere festivals but a symbol of Odisha’s glorious maritime heritage and the adventurous spirit of the ancient Oriya sea-merchant Sadabs.
Participating in the Boita Bandana Utsav 2025 held at Paradip Port, Majhi highlighted Odisha’s ancient maritime trading heritage, the state’s economic progress and port-based development. CM Majhi in his address said, “Boita Bandana and Bali Jatra are not just festivals but symbols of the glorious maritime trade heritage of Odisha and the adventurous spirit of the Sadhabas. This tradition even today inspires the people of Odisha to scale new heights with grit and determination.”
Highlighting the important role of Paradip Port in the development of Odisha, the Chief Minister said that the port has now emerged as one of the largest and most important ports in India.
He further informed that in 2015, the port handled 71 million tonnes of cargo, which is now expected to increase to 150 million tonnes in 2025. “Paradip Port is the gateway to the progress of modern Odisha and the Konark of its economy,” Majhi said.
CM Majhi further announced that under the “Maritime India Vision 2030” its capacity will be increased to 300 million tonnes per annum, and under the “Developed India 2047” roadmap it will be developed as a mega port with 500 million tonnes capacity.
The Chief Minister said the Odisha government and Paradip Port Authority are jointly planning to set up a major port at Bahuda in Ganjam district with an investment of Rs 21,500 crore. Additionally, a shipbuilding and repair yard will be developed at the mouth of Mahanadi with an investment of Rs 24,700 crore.
The CM also said that a world class cruise terminal will be set up in Puri.
He expressed confidence that these projects will open new vistas in commerce, tourism and industry in Odisha.
The Chief Minister also said that Odisha is developing a port-based economy in line with the “Sagarmala, Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy” initiative of the Government of India.
He informed that the state government is working to establish coastal economic zones in the coastal areas of Odisha. “Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, India has entered a new era in maritime trade, and as per the ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’, Indian ports will become globally competitive.
–IANS
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