Paradip Port Charts a Bold Roadmap to Become a Global ‘Port of the Millennium’

Paradip:

Port Wings News Network:

The 80^th Independence Day was celebrated at Paradip Port Authority (PPA) with patriotic fervour, flag hoisting and a series of cultural and sporting programmes.

P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, hoisted the National Flag at Gopabandhu Stadium in the presence of officers, employees, CISF personnel, trade union representatives, media, government organisations, stakeholders, and school children.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman paid tribute to the freedom fighters and Armed Forces and highlighted the vital role of ports in the vision of Viksit Bharat. He said Paradip Port is committed to supporting India’s growth through modern infrastructure, efficient logistics, technology, sustainable development and inclusive growth.

The Chairman congratulated Team Paradip Port for handling an all-time high 156.45 MMT of cargo in FY 2025–26, registering around 4% growth over the previous year. Paradip Port ranked No. 2 among India’s Major Ports, while retaining No. 1 position on the East Coast and No. 1 in Coastal Shipping, with 65.81 MMT of coastal cargo handled during the year.

He highlighted the Port’s transformation over the last five years, with cargo handling rising from 114 MMT in FY 2020–21 to over 156 MMT, representing a cumulative growth of around 50 MMT. Paradip Port had also achieved the distinction of becoming India’s No. 1 cargo handling Major Port in FY 2023–24.

The Port has achieved berth productivity of around 37,000 tonnes, more than twice the national average. The Chairman attributed this performance to mechanisation, system improvement, modern cargo handling systems and the dedicated efforts of Team PPA.

The Chairman informed that capital dredging of the channel to 18.5-metre draft has been completed. Five additional berths capable of handling fully laden Cape vessels are nearing completion, taking Paradip Port towards becoming the first port in India with seven Cape-handling berths.

The number of berths is planned to increase from 19 to 27 by 2030. The 25 MMT Western Dock Project, comprising five berths, is nearing completion and is expected to be completed two years ahead of schedule.

Paradip Port is also progressing towards becoming the first East Coast port with 100% mechanisation. Four semi-mechanised berths have already been awarded for mechanisation, while processes are underway for container and green hydrogen berths.

The Port’s net surplus has increased from ₹714 crore to ₹2,038 crore over the last five years, while the operating ratio has improved from 41% to 33%.

Paradip Port is rapidly emerging as a Smart and Digital Port, with nearly 100% of transactions being handled through the National Logistics Portal (Marine). The Port has also emerged as the No. 1 Major Port in financial transactions.

Modern initiatives include a VTMIS developed by IIT Madras, Digital Twin technology, AI-based gate management and a world-class Command and Control System. Implementation of ONOD and ONOP has further strengthened ease of doing business.

More than five lakh trees have been planted during the last five years, including over 1.5 lakh plantations from Hanuman Temple to Sandhakud. PPA is pursuing its One Million Tree Green Port vision.

The Chairman also highlighted CSR initiatives in health, sanitation, education and skill development. Skill development programmes through CEMS and CIPET have created employment opportunities for Odisha’s youth, with almost 100% placement during the last financial year.

Additional water allocation, a new reservoir and water treatment plant are being developed to strengthen water security. The iconic fish-shaped Kalinga Maritime Heritage Complex is progressing rapidly and is expected to become a landmark attraction.

Outlining the vision of PPA 2.0, the Chairman said Paradip Port is expanding beyond its existing boundaries to contribute to the wider economic development of Odisha.

Around 6,700 acres of land has been allocated for the proposed Bahuda Port in Ganjam district, where a world-class container port is envisaged. The land handover process is underway.

PPA and the Odisha Maritime Board have jointly formed an SPV for shipbuilding and ship repair near the mouth of the Mahanadi River, with the DPR approved by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities for local youth. The Puri Cruise Terminal is also under development.

These initiatives will further strengthen Paradip Port as an anchor for maritime development in Odisha and the country.

Following the Independence Day address, P. L. Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions organised among local school children and officers and employees of different departments who excelled in their respective areas of work. He also presented the Winner and Runner-up Trophies to the marching contingents.

The Independence Day celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment to Viksit Bharat, Viksit Odisha and the transformation of Paradip Port into a world-class, smart, green and future-ready maritime gateway. As part of the celebrations, Jagannath Lalita Kala Sansad, the Cultural Wing of PPA, organised a Poets’ Meet on the patriotic theme at the Officers’ Club. An exhibition football match was held in the afternoon between the Paradip Port team and, Morning Football Club.