The Odisha government has entered into a partnership with IIT Madras to develop the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP), a comprehensive blueprint aimed at strengthening the state’s maritime ecosystem.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday between the Directorate of Ports and Inland Water Transport, Odisha, and the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Madras. The agreement was finalized in the presence of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Commerce and Transport Department.

The OMPP will focus on evaluating the strengths and challenges of Odisha’s maritime infrastructure. It aims to address key areas such as port development, hinterland potential, cargo evacuation, connectivity, environmental sustainability, and community development along the coast, officials said.

This initiative is expected to boost the state’s maritime potential, making it a significant player in national and global trade.