Independence Day Celebrations: Paradip Port Chairman Announces Vision for Port’s Future
Paradip:
Port Wings News Network:
The 79th Independence Day was celebrated by the Paradip Port Authority with patriotic fervour, flag hoisting and cultural events. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA, hoisted the National Flag.
Speaking at the Independence Day ceremony at Gopabandhu stadium, Haranadh underscored the PPA’s pivotal role in India’s maritime progress and its commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and employee welfare.
He congratulated the entire Paradip Port team for achieving the Number One status in cargo handling for the second consecutive year, a feat he attributed to the team’s resilience and strategic efforts in a challenging market.
He also highlighted several key accolades the port received, including the No. 1 Sagar Anklan certificate for bulk cargo handling and the “Major Port of the Year – Non-Containerised Cargo” award.
The PPA has clocked an unprecedented 50.00 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo throughput by the end of July in the current fiscal year, the fastest in the port’s history. The port has made significant strides in container traffic, with the first-ever handling of EXIM containers in FY 2024-25. This, combined with services from MSC and RCL and the new CONCOR Multimodal Logistics Park, is positioning Paradip as a key container gateway in the east. The PPA is actively working with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to boost the export of marine fisheries products from Odisha.
The port is on track to increase its capacity to 500 MMTPA by 2047. The Western Dock Project (25 MMTPA) is progressing ahead of schedule to accommodate Capesize vessels and reduce logistics costs. The PPA is rapidly modernizing its infrastructure, aiming for 100% mechanization by 2030. New technology initiatives include the adoption of an AI-based harbor management system, the inauguration of a state-of-the-art command and control center, and the upcoming launch of a next-generation Vessel Traffic Management and Information System. These initiatives are part of the broader vision to transform Paradip into a smart port by 2030.
In line with India’s net-zero targets, Paradip Port is committed to becoming a net-zero port by 2050. A dedicated green hydrogen/ammonia export terminal is being developed, with MoUs worth over ₹50,800 crore. This project will establish Paradip as a major player in the global green fuel supply chain. The port is implementing shore-to-ship power systems and has tendered for its first green tug as part of the Green Tug Transition Program. A 10 MW solar power plant is under development, targeting 60% renewable energy usage.
The PPA is undertaking projects to secure the port township’s drinking water supply, including a new reservoir and water treatment plant, with a major contribution of ₹100 crore for a new pipeline. The PPA has enhanced various welfare benefits, including accidental and natural death insurance policies, and has formed the Paradip Port Authority Employees Port Retirement Medical Benefit Trust to secure medical benefits for employees and pensioners. The port is also introducing mandatory safety training for all contractual laborers starting January 2026 to prevent accidents.
During his speech, Haranadh called upon everyone to continue working together with renewed vigor to maintain the port’s leading position and contribute to India’s maritime success.
Thereafter, Haranadh handed over prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. He also awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents.
Haranadh also inaugurated the most advanced command control centre at Gate No.4, with latest technology. This will improve all surveillance multi-fold and enhance security of the Port.
Coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. Jagannath Lalita Kala Sansad, the Cultural Wing of PPA organized a Poets’ Meet on Patriotic theme at Officers’ Club. An exhibition football match was held in the afternoon between Paradip Port team and Jagatsinghpur Football academy, Maindpur.
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