Paradip Port Chairman charts bold growth vision on 79th Independence Day

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, AUGUST 15, 2025

“Paradip Port’s journey is not just about cargo handling; it is about driving India’s maritime future with sustainable growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our people,” said P.L. Haranadh, Chairman of the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), as he addressed the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Gopabandhu Stadium, here on Friday.

Speaking as the Chief Guest after hoisting the National Flag, Haranadh underscored PPA’s pivotal role in the nation’s logistics ecosystem, applauding the team’s resilience and strategic excellence.

He congratulated employees for securing the No. 1 position in cargo handling for the second consecutive year, attributing this success to collective effort amid challenging market conditions. He also highlighted major accolades, including the No. 1 Sagar Anklan certificate for bulk cargo handling and the “Major Port of the Year – Non-Containerised Cargo” award.

The port has recorded a historic milestone, achieving 50 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo throughput by the end of July in the current fiscal year — the fastest in its history. In container operations, Paradip handled EXIM containers for the first time in FY 2024-25, supported by services from MSC and RCL and the launch of the CONCOR Multimodal Logistics Park. The PPA is also collaborating with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to boost marine fisheries exports from Odisha, further strengthening its position as a key container gateway in eastern India.

Looking ahead, the port aims to expand its capacity to 500 MMTPA by 2047. The Western Dock Project (25 MMTPA), progressing ahead of schedule, will handle Capesize vessels and lower logistics costs. With an ambitious goal of 100 per cent mechanization by 2030, PPA is embracing next-generation technology, including an AI-based harbour management system, a state-of-the-art command and control center, and a soon-to-be-launched Vessel Traffic Management and Information System — cornerstones of its plan to become a “smart port” by 2030.

Aligned with India’s net-zero ambitions, Paradip Port is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. Initiatives include developing a green hydrogen/ammonia export terminal backed by MoUs worth over ₹50,800 crore, shore-to-ship power systems, procurement of the first green tug under the Green Tug Transition Program, and a 10 MW solar power plant to achieve 60 per cent renewable energy usage.

On the social front, PPA is investing heavily in township infrastructure, including a new reservoir and water treatment plant, and contributing ₹100 crore toward a new pipeline to secure drinking water. Welfare measures have been strengthened with enhanced insurance coverage for accidental and natural deaths and the creation of the Paradip Port Authority Employees Port Retirement Medical Benefit Trust to safeguard medical benefits for employees and pensioners. From January 2026, mandatory safety training for all contractual labourers will be introduced to reduce workplace accidents.

In his closing remarks, Haranadh urged all stakeholders to work together with renewed vigour to sustain PPA’s leadership and contribute to India’s maritime growth. He then presented awards to winners of competitions held among local schoolchildren, officers, and employees, and presented trophies to the best marching contingents.

Later in the day, the PPA Chairman inaugurated the most advanced Command and Control Centre at Gate No. 4, equipped with cutting-edge surveillance systems to enhance port security.

The day’s celebrations were rich in cultural and sporting activities. Jagannath Lalita Kala Sansad, PPA’s cultural wing, hosted a patriotic Poets’ Meet at the Officers’ Club. An exhibition football match between the Paradip Port team and Jagatsinghpur Football Academy, Maindpur, brought sporting spirit to the occasion. The evening concluded with inter-school dance competitions on patriotic themes at the Biju Convention Centre, with winners receiving awards from the Chairman himself.