Odisha Govt. signs MoU with IIT Madras for preparing maritime perspective plan

BHUBANESHWAR : The Odisha government on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the IIT Madras for the preparation of the Odisha Maritime Perspective Plan (OMPP).

This plan would encompass the key strengths and challenges in the maritime development of the Odisha coast and study the maritime ecosystem involving ports, hinterland potential, cargo evacuation, port connectivity, environmental enhancement and development of the coastal communities, officials said.

The MoU was signed between the Directorate of Ports & Inland Water Transport of the Odisha government and the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC), IIT Madras, in the presence of the Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Department, Usha Padhee.

It was decided to gather feedback and suggestions from stakeholders, including representatives from relevant government departments, transport and logistics, maritime experts, port operators and the boat owners’ associations to gain a deeper understanding of grassroots-level concerns, issues and requirements.