The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved the transfer of 95% equity shares of Gopalpur Port Limited (GPL) to Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ) from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Private Limited (SPPML) and Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL). This decision includes the signing of a revised concession agreement aimed at developing and expanding Gopalpur Port.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja announced that GPL sought permission to transfer its shares from SPPML, which holds 56%, and OSL, which holds 39%. The Cabinet’s approval marks a significant step in the port’s evolution from a fair-weather port managed by Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Department to an all-weather deep berthing seaport under a public-private partnership (PPP) in the Build, Own, Operate Share Transfer (BOOST) mode.
Originally won through a competitive bid in 2003, GPL currently contributes 7.5% of its gross revenue to the state, amounting to approximately Rs 38 crore for FY 2023-24. The port employs around 4,000 people directly and indirectly. The expansion is anticipated to further boost revenue and create additional employment opportunities.
