Bhubaneswar, Dec 5 (IANS): Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday requested investors to explore opportunities to enhance investments in Odisha.

He urged the investors to explore opportunities for investments in Paradip and Dhamra.

He also suggested a plan for a Pipeline Park near Chandikhol region in Jajpur district to boost industrial activity.

"Paradip and Dhamra have become the gateway for energy delivery to neighbouring states and northeast India. With major investments pouring in through various developmental projects, especially in the field of oil and gas, eastern India is bound to grow," the Minister said.

Pradhan was addressing business leaders, investors and industry stakeholders from engineering, pipelines and port at the 19th National Conference on Corrosion Control at Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

The Minister disclosed that some entities have shown interest to set up pipeline coating manufacturing and hose manufacturing plants in Paradip.

"If the Odisha government helps in providing land like Gujarat has done in Kutch area, it will boost manufacturing in Odisha," he added.

"Our government in last 4.5 years is expanding oil and gas pipeline network in Odisha to further fuel economic growth and provide clean fuel to residents of the state. Enhanced pipeline network will boost industries in Odisha and help in the overall economic growth," said Pradhan.

Explaining that corrosion is the primary factor affecting the longevity and durability of crude and gas pipelines and transport of crucial energy resources throughout the nation, he said scientific and technological advances can help in continuous monitoring and even detect the onset of corrosion.

"In modern times, metal is an integral part of any structure. As our country is furthering major expansions in pipeline network and super structures, corrosion control has become even more important to prevent any mishap, specially in the energy sector where there is no margin for error," said the Minister.