Inaugurating the historic Bali Jatra festival on the banks of the Mahanadi River in Cuttack, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday, announced a significant financial boost for the event and stated that the state government is making concerted efforts to ensure that Odisha emerges as the gateway of Eastern India in the maritime trade sector in the coming days.
The Chief Minister announced that the state government’s financial support for organising the historic annual festival has been enhanced from Rs 2 crore to Rs 10 crore starting this year.
CM Majhi stated that the Bali Jatra, which he called a “beautiful reflection of Odisha’s glorious history” and the “largest cultural-cum-commercial fair in Eastern India,” is a living symbol of the state’s courage, determination, and rich maritime trade heritage.
“The Bali Jatra is a beautiful reflection of Odisha’s glorious history. It is the largest cultural-cum-commercial fair in Eastern India, held on the banks of the Mahanadi River for a long time,” the CM said.
He committed to leveraging this heritage to drive development, declaring: “Odisha will emerge as the gateway of maritime trade in Eastern India.”
The Chief Minister further announced that silver city Cuttack will be developed as a hub for silver filigree works. He stated that Rs 200 crore has been allocated under the Mahanadi Riverfront Development Plan for the beautification of the Mahanadi riverback in Cuttack.
He also stated that efforts are underway to secure UNESCO World Heritage Site status for the historic Bali Jatra.
Additionally, the government has launched initiatives to develop various heritage and religious sites along the Mahanadi River and in Cuttack city.
The Chief Minister stated that Bali Jatra is not just a commercial festival; it is deeply intertwined with the art, culture, and spiritual feelings of Odisha.
“Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’ (Development along with Heritage), the state government is promoting both cultural heritage and development with renewed momentum,” said CM Majhi.
He further added the state government is committed to utilising Odisha’s maritime potential to develop a major port-based economy.
In addition to existing ports like Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur, the state government plans to develop 14 more small and medium ports in the coming days. Port development projects are currently underway at the Subarnarekha, Astaranga, and Jatadhari river mouths, the CM stated.
He stated that a massive Rs 21,500 crore has been earmarked for the development of Bahuda Port, set to become Odisha’s second-largest port after Paradip.
A shipbuilding and repair centre is planned for the Mahanadi river mouth near Paradip, estimated to cost Rs 24,700 crore, the CM said.
