Bhubaneswar, May 7 (BNP): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for a more balanced model of industrial development in India, stating that the country’s next major growth phase should be powered by the eastern coastline, with Odisha emerging as a central hub for investment, trade and manufacturing.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/MohanMOdisha 

Speaking during his visit to Gujarat, the Chief Minister said India’s western coast has played a crucial role in driving maritime trade and industrial expansion over the years, but the time has now come to unlock the untapped potential of the East Coast.

During interactions with industry leaders and stakeholders at Mundra Port, Majhi proposed a “two-coast strategy” aimed at strengthening industrial activity across both the western and eastern seaboards to ensure more balanced and sustainable economic growth.

He said Odisha is well-positioned to lead this transformation due to its strategic location, expanding infrastructure network and growing industrial ecosystem. The state’s proximity to Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, he noted, offers strong advantages for trade, logistics and manufacturing.

The Chief Minister emphasised that Odisha is building an investment-friendly environment backed by policy support, faster clearances and improved connectivity. He added that the state is focused on converting investment commitments into on-ground projects within a defined timeframe.

Majhi, accompanied by Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials, showcased Odisha’s industrial potential and infrastructure readiness during meetings with business leaders.

As part of the visit, the delegation toured major facilities at Mundra Port, including container terminals and Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) jetties, to study large-scale cargo handling and integrated port operations. They also visited industrial units within the adjoining Special Economic Zone, including facilities linked to copper manufacturing and renewable energy components such as solar cells and wind turbine parts.

On the second day of my Gujarat visit, I visited Mundra Port and engaged with industry leaders, where I proposed a balanced two-coast strategy as a defining framework for India’s next phase of industrial development. India’s growth cannot remain one-sided; the next phase of… pic.twitter.com/2zur2kYtbR

— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) May 6, 2026

Highlighting Odisha’s recent investment momentum, the Chief Minister said the state has approved 433 investment proposals worth nearly ₹8.37 lakh crore over the past 22 months. Of these, 148 projects worth around ₹2.86 lakh crore have already moved into the implementation stage.

He noted that sectors such as logistics, petrochemicals, chemicals, downstream industries and manufacturing are witnessing growing investor interest, supported by expanding industrial corridors, logistics parks and port-led infrastructure.

According to officials, Odisha is steadily strengthening its position as a major industrial and logistics hub on India’s eastern coast. Ports including Paradip Port, Dhamra Port and Gopalpur Port are expected to play a key role in driving future industrial growth and regional connectivity.

The visit is being seen as part of Odisha’s broader effort to attract large-scale investments and position itself as a leading growth engine for India’s next industrial decade.