Cabinet Nod for Transformative Port Project

In a significant push for port-led industrial development, the Government of Odisha on Wednesday approved a Concession Agreement with JSW Utkal Steel Limited for the construction of a greenfield captive jetty at Jatadhar Muhan in the Jagatsinghpur district. This facility will serve as a dedicated logistics hub for JSW’s integrated steel plant and captive power generation unit planned for the region.

The project is considered a key infrastructure asset under the Odisha Port Policy 2022, which aims to modernize and expand maritime logistics in the state. The Odisha Maritime Board has been entrusted with supervising the project’s implementation and operations.

Strategic Importance of Jatadhar Muhan

The proposed jetty will be developed as an all-weather, multi-cargo port designed to handle a diverse range of bulk materials, including iron ore, coal, limestone, and finished steel products. Its location at Jatadhar Muhan is strategically aligned with JSW’s broader industrial footprint in eastern India, where the company is investing heavily in steel manufacturing and associated infrastructure.

The project is expected to significantly decongest existing port facilities while offering JSW a reliable and efficient logistics corridor. It will also reduce dependency on third-party terminals, enhance cargo throughput, and cut transportation costs.

Historical Approvals & Policy Alignment

The captive jetty was first granted in-principle approval in 2018, following a clearance from the High-Level Clearance Authority in 2017 for JSW’s steel plant proposal. The formal agreement signed now reinforces Odisha’s commitment to advancing large-scale industrial investments backed by robust logistics.

The jetty falls in line with the Odisha Port Policy 2022, which emphasizes development of captive and commercial port infrastructure to attract global investment and industrial activity in the state. The policy encourages public-private partnerships and aligns port development with the needs of emerging sectors like steel, power, and chemicals.

Oversight by Odisha Maritime Board

The Odisha Maritime Board, the apex body responsible for maritime infrastructure in the state, has been authorized to monitor the progress of the jetty project. The board will ensure adherence to timelines, regulatory compliance, and operational standards during both construction and future cargo handling.

The project’s implementation will include regular reporting, stakeholder consultations, and integration with the state’s broader coastal infrastructure network. The Board is also expected to work closely with the Ministry of Environment and Forests to secure necessary clearances and ensure sustainable development.

Employment & Economic Impact

According to estimates provided by the Commerce & Transport Department, the jetty project is expected to create approximately 3,450 direct and indirect jobs. This includes opportunities during the construction phase, as well as long-term employment in cargo handling, logistics management, and port operations.

In addition to job creation, the jetty will stimulate regional economic growth by improving connectivity between industrial production centers and global trade routes. Increased cargo movement will translate into higher revenue collections for the state through port fees, logistics services, and taxation.

Support for JSW’s Integrated Steel Ecosystem

JSW Utkal Steel’s integrated steel plant in Jagatsinghpur is one of the largest industrial proposals in Odisha’s recent history. The captive jetty will enable seamless movement of raw materials and finished products, which is critical for maintaining production efficiency and export competitiveness.

The project is part of JSW’s broader strategy to establish a vertically integrated steel manufacturing ecosystem in eastern India, where the company is already developing mines, processing units, and downstream facilities. The Jatadhar Muhan jetty will serve as a keystone asset in this network.

Boosting Odisha’s Port Capacity

With this development, Odisha continues to build on its reputation as a major maritime state. The new jetty will add to the state’s cumulative port capacity, which has seen steady growth over the past decade. The government has prioritized coastal infrastructure under its Vision 2030 framework, which envisions Odisha as a gateway to East and Southeast Asia.

New port-linked projects like this are also expected to relieve pressure on Paradip Port, currently one of India’s busiest cargo-handling hubs. The diversification of port assets will make Odisha more resilient to disruptions and more attractive to international investors.

Next Steps & Timeline

Following the cabinet’s approval, the Concession Agreement will be formally signed by JSW Utkal Steel and the Odisha Maritime Board in the coming weeks. Construction is expected to begin later this year, subject to environmental clearance and land acquisition processes.

Once operational, the Jatadhar Muhan jetty will handle millions of metric tons of cargo annually, supporting Odisha’s rapid industrial growth and enhancing its logistical edge in the global steel supply chain.

Key Takeaways:

• Odisha Cabinet approved a Concession Agreement with JSW Utkal Steel to build a captive jetty at Jatadhar Muhan.

• The jetty will support JSW’s integrated steel plant and is expected to generate 3,450 jobs.

• The Odisha Maritime Board will oversee the jetty’s development under the state’s Port Policy 2022.