Odisha Explores Use of Robotics to Strengthen Underwater Infrastructure
Chief Secretary meets Coratia Technologies co-founder; Startup secures ₹66 crore Indian Navy contract
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is moving towards integrating cutting-edge robotics technology into its underwater infrastructure projects, as Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja met with Debendra Pradhan, co-founder of Coratia Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a startup incubated at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela. The meeting focused on leveraging robotics for strengthening water-based infrastructure such as reservoirs, embankments, and bridges, while also celebrating the company’s recent success with the Indian Navy.
Coratia Technologies, a young startup specializing in unmanned robotics for underwater inspection and maintenance, recently signed a landmark contract worth ₹66 crore with the Indian Navy. Under this agreement, the company will supply indigenous underwater robotic equipment capable of performing critical inspection and monitoring tasks in deep water.
Chief Secretary Ahuja hailed the development as a proud moment for Odisha, noting that such achievements underscore the state’s growing strength in technological innovation and skill development. “This shows that Odisha is not just participating but competing in high-end technology domains,” Ahuja remarked.
According to co-founder Debendra Pradhan, the robotics technology developed by Coratia can do far more than military applications. The systems enable underwater monitoring, inspection, and assessment without damaging existing structures. Their uses range from soil evaluation and water depth measurement to structural health assessments and even rescue operations.
“These robots provide precise, damage-free analysis of underwater conditions, helping identify risks and strengthen preventive measures,” Pradhan explained.
Chief Secretary Ahuja emphasized that Odisha, with its numerous water reservoirs, historic river embankments, aging bridges, and ongoing river development projects, stands to benefit immensely from such advanced technologies. He urged the startup to explore opportunities across the state’s infrastructure landscape.
“Ensuring the safety of our critical water and river projects requires modern solutions. Underwater robotics can play a pivotal role in keeping these structures strong and resilient for decades,” Ahuja said during the meeting.
The technology is expected to not only enhance safety but also reduce costs associated with manual inspections, which are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and risk-prone.
The meeting also reflected Odisha’s commitment to nurturing homegrown innovation and startups. Bhupinder Singh Punia, Commissioner and Secretary of the State Department of Technical Education and Skill Development, who was present at the meeting, highlighted the role of institutions such as NIT Rourkela in incubating startups that address real-world challenges.
“Coratia’s achievement is a testament to the kind of talent and innovation brewing within Odisha. With the right support, such startups can lead the way in positioning the state as a hub for technological excellence,” Punia said.
As Odisha looks to balance rapid infrastructure development with safety and sustainability, the integration of robotics offers a forward-looking solution. The government’s engagement with technology-driven startups signals a shift toward adopting modern tools for public infrastructure management.
For Coratia Technologies, the Indian Navy contract is just the beginning. With state encouragement and a wide range of potential applications in Odisha’s own infrastructure, the startup is poised to demonstrate how indigenous technology can serve both national security and civilian needs.
The collaboration between the state and a homegrown startup could well set a precedent for how Odisha harnesses innovation to build a more resilient and technologically advanced future.
