Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday called for a strategic shift towards east coast-led development, asserting that the next phase of India’s industrial and economic expansion should be driven by eastern coastal states. Speaking during a visit to Mundra Port, Majhi highlighted the imbalance between the rapid industrialisation of India’s western coastline and the untapped potential of the eastern seaboard. He said balanced coastal development would be crucial for strengthening India’s long-term trade and manufacturing competitiveness.

“India’s growth cannot remain one-sided. The next phase of industrial expansion must be powered by the east coast,” the Chief Minister said while pitching Odisha as a future industrial and logistics hub. Majhi said Odisha is prepared to replicate and scale the industrial successes achieved along the western coast, citing the state’s strong maritime connectivity, industrial infrastructure and investor-friendly policies. He noted that the eastern coastline is now entering a decisive phase supported by rising investments, improved infrastructure and policy backing.

The Chief Minister also proposed a “two-coast strategy”, urging industries to build integrated operations across both eastern and western coasts to strengthen India’s export resilience and manufacturing ecosystem. Highlighting Odisha’s strategic location near Southeast Asia, East Asia and the Indo-Pacific region, Majhi said the state is well-positioned to emerge as a key player in global supply chains and maritime trade.

The remarks come amid the Centre’s growing focus on port-led development, industrial corridors and coastal economic zones aimed at boosting manufacturing competitiveness and reducing logistics costs. Odisha, home to major ports including Paradip Port, Dhamra Port and Gopalpur Port, is seeking to position itself as a major beneficiary of this strategy. During the visit, the Odisha delegation showcased the state’s growing industrial momentum, stating that 433 investment proposals worth Rs 8.37 lakh crore have already been approved, while 148 projects valued at Rs 2.86 lakh crore have entered the implementation stage within less than two years.

“In Odisha, investment intent is translating into implementation with speed and scale,” Majhi said, adding that the government remains focused on fast-tracking projects and building industrial ecosystems centred around ports, logistics and downstream manufacturing. The delegation also toured key facilities at Mundra, including the container jetty, VLCC jetty, industrial zones and renewable energy-linked manufacturing units. Odisha officials said the state aims to replicate similar integrated port-led industrial ecosystems.

Sampad Chandra Swain said Odisha has already witnessed the economic impact of port-led development through Paradip and is now preparing for a larger industrial expansion phase. The high-level delegation included Chief Secretary Anu Garg and senior officials who interacted with industry representatives and showcased Odisha’s industrial policy reforms and investment facilitation measures.