What may reshape the maritime scenario of India is that the state government of Odisha is in collaboration with the Paradip Port Authority, the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, and the Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SFCL) to establish a modern major port at Bahuda in Ganjam district. The projected cost of the initiative, which will someday augment India’s maritime infrastructure and make the state of Odisha a sustainable player in the global shipping industry, is approximately $2.6 billion (₹ 21,500 crore).
Strategic Location and Capacity:
The prospective Bahuda Port is assumed to have a prime location along India’s eastern coast and to handle an astonishing 150 million tonnes (MT) of cargo every year. Bahuda is expected to have sufficient property and facilities to handle dry bulk carriers, with deadweight tons (DWT) between 40,000 and 150,000 DWT, for up to 6,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units). The size of this port enables it to accommodate large modern ships, which is consistent with shipping trends, and provide port users and shipping services with the ideal setting to meet their needs.
Joint Commitment for Coastal Awareness
The creation of Bahuda Port is a joint commitment of principal partners:
- The Government of Odisha: Leading the charge is the government to enhance regional infrastructure and economic performance.
- Paradip Port Authority: to provide their experience of operating and managing a port.
- Visakhapatnam Port Authority: to provide their experience of handling a range of cargo.
- The Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SFCL): to provide its funding and investment facility through appropriate financial products.
This collaboration will aim to create a world-class port with international standards that will support the ongoing demand for trade both nationally and internationally.
The Bahuda Port Project will have significant economic impacts and efficiencies, such as the following:
- Industrial Development: the proximity of industrial centers has implications for manufactured goods being exported, as well as more industrial development occurring.
- Infrastructure Improvement: the improved transport links with roads and rail have implications for shipping and transportation expenses.
Considerations Related to Environmental and technological
Diagnosing the increased global thrust towards sustainability, the Port of Bahuda will incorporate the following environmentally friendly features:
- Green Port Initiatives: There will be sustainable energy infrastructure planning and waste-management systems to reduce the impact of operations on the environment.
- Integration of Technology: There will be modern technologies incorporated into cargo handling, port operations, and overall operational safety.
This approach supports the continued preservation of the environment and the pursuit of better technology in the development of ports.
Future Opportunities and Global Connectivity
Once the project is completed, the Port of Bahuda will not only increase India’s trade capacity, but it will also help expand global connectivity to the trade routes. The port’s physical location will provide direct access to international markets, promote trade by increasing imports and exports, and ultimately improve India’s position among competing networks.
The Port of Bahuda project represents Odisha’s commitment to economic development through infrastructure improvements and significant construction efforts. Therefore, this project reflects the state’s commitment to remaining a significant player in the global maritime sector by implementing a coastal strategy model that emphasizes sustainability and inclusion.
As the project moves forward, the stakeholders are still concentrating on building a port that achieves international standards, is used for economic development, and corresponds to environmental sustainability. The Bahuda Port is also expected to be a historical achievement in Indian maritime history, facilitating a new dimension of growth and connectivity.
