Paradip Port Becomes ‘Gateway of India’s Growth, Targets of 350 MMT Cargo Handling by 2030: Chairman Haranadh

Paradip:

Port Wings News Network:

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) celebrated the 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervour at the Port premises. P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, unfurled rhe National Flag in the presence of T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, PPA, along with employees, CISF personnel, and other stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering, Haranadh said that “Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is emerging as a global economic powerhouse.” He noted that Paradip Port has become the “Gateway of India’s Growth,” recording a 9 percent CAGR over the last three years, well above the national average.

The Chairman highlighted that Paradip Port retained its position as India’s No. 1 cargo handling Major Port by handling 150 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the last financial year. The Port continues to lead in efficiency, with berth productivity nearly double the national average, and handles nearly one-third of India’s coastal cargo.

PARADIP PORT’S FUTURE PLANS

Outlining future plans, he said Paradip Port is rapidly transforming into a mega port and is on track to cross 300 MMT capacity within the next year, with a long-term target of 350 MMT by 2030. The Western Dock Project is progressing ahead of schedule, while capital dredging to handle Cape Size vessels will be completed by March 2026. The Port is also moving towards 100 percent mechanization to enhance productivity and sustainability.

On green initiatives, Haranadh said Paradip Port is positioning itself as the Green Hydrogen Hub of eastern India, having signed MoUs worth ₹1.5 lakh crore for Green Hydrogen and e-Methanol projects. The Port is expected to become a Green Port within the next five months, supported by renewable energy initiatives, a 10 MW solar power plant, and one million tree coverage. By December 2026, all Port buses will operate on Green Hydrogen.

The Chairman also announced major employee welfare measures, including significant salary and allowance hikes for regular and contractual employees, and the provision of subsidized Piped Natural Gas connections to Port quarters.

On Local development, Haranadh announced the development of the Kalinga Maritime Museum, a commercial complex with a multiplex and food court, a separate commercial mall, and large-scale development of Sector 21 with marina and boating facilities. A 2.5 km flyover has been constructed to improve traffic flow and safety.

He further informed that Paradip Port Authority is developing a 150 MMT satellite port at Bahuda in Ganjam district and a shipbuilding and ship repair facility of 1.5 million gross tonnes near Paradip.

Haranadh also awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children, officers, and employees who excelled in their respective work areas. Winner and runner-up trophies were presented to the marching contingents, while the CISF Unit, PPA, captivated the audience with an impressive dog show and fire drill demonstration.

The celebrations included an exhibition cricket match among PWD employees and a poets’ meet at the Officers’ Club organized by Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad. In the evening, inter-school dance competitions on patriotic themes were held at Biju Convention showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of young participants.