Bhubaneswar: The Union Budget 2026–27 has outlined a major push to strengthen green logistics, mineral value chains, and coastal conservation in Odisha.
Presenting the Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the operationalisation of National Waterway-5 to improve inland cargo movement in the State.
The waterway will link mineral-rich Talcher and Angul with industrial hubs such as Kalinga Nagar. It will also connect these regions to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra.
The government aims to move bulk cargo through waterways to reduce logistics costs and emissions. Inland transport also eases pressure on roads and rail networks, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said in a post on X.
Officials expect the project to support industrial expansion, port-led development, and local skill generation. The corridor will also improve coal and mineral evacuation efficiency.
The finance minister also announced extended central support for dedicated rare-earth corridors in mineral-rich states, including Odisha.
The move follows the launch of the rare-earth permanent magnet scheme in 2025. The corridors aim to strengthen domestic supply chains for clean energy and electronics.
Odisha holds significant reserves of rare-earth-bearing minerals. Policy support could attract processing and downstream manufacturing investments.
The Budget further announced the development of Turtle Trails along Odisha’s coast.
These trails will create protected pathways near key nesting beaches. The initiative will support turtle conservation and regulated eco-tourism.
The programme will also help coastal communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to conservation activities.
Together, the measures underline the Centre’s focus on green transport, strategic minerals, and biodiversity protection in Odisha.
