Odisha’s lone major port in Paradip has secured the no.-1 status in cargo handling for the second consecutive year, a feat achieved due to the port employees’ resilience and strategic efforts in a challenging market, said P.L. Harandh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Friday speaking at the 79th Independence Day function at the port town.
The port on eastern coast has played a pivotal role in India’s maritime progress and its commitment to sustainable growth, innovation, and employee welfare, he said while highlighting 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, he further claimed.
Stating that the port is on track to increase its capacity to 500 MMTPA by 2047, he said that 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, PPA Chairman Haranad concluded.
Later the Chairman, PPA inaugurated the most advanced command control centre at Gate No.4, with latest technology. This will improve all surveillance multi-folds and enhance security of the Port.