The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
PARADIP, APRIL 1, 2022
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) registered highest cargo handling of 116.13 million metric tonnes during the financial year 2021-22 (FY22), surpassing the previous best of 114.55 million metric tonnes achieved during the year 2020-21.
During FY22, the Iron Ore traffic dropped by around 30 percent due to international market conditions and poor demand for iron ore export. Despite that Paradip Port could register cargo handling by improving its performance in other commodities. Paradip Port handled 38% more thermal coal coastal shipping this year by putting in place improved operational protocols. A number of rakes handled in Mechanical Coal Handling Plant (MCHP) have improved by 25%
The port operating surplus improved by a remarkable 10% and operating margin has improved to 60%. The Operating ratio of the organization has improved to its best figure of 40%. During this financial year Paradip Port changed to Paradip Port Authority as per the new Major Port Authority Act of 2021.
The Major Port Authority Act transformed the management model of the port and strengthened the ports to serve the customers better and contribute towards nations economy
During FY22, Paradip Port has commissioned two important projects namely Development of New Coal import terminal at a cost of Rs. 650 crore with capacity of 15 MMTPA. This terminal is equipped with world class cargo handling systems and can improve import of coal and other dry bulk cargo through Paradip.
Mechanization of 3 berths in the EQ for handling thermal coal coastal shipping was done at a cost of Rs.1440 crore. This terminal with a capacity to handle 30 MMTPA and equips Paradip to meet the entire demand of thermal coal coastal shipping of southern India.
During FY21-22 Paradip Port surpassed the target set of 109 crores for capital expenditure (IEBR) and achieved Rs.121 crore. To improve the port connectivity Haridaspur Paradip rail connectivity around 82 kms at cost of Rs.3200 crore has been commissioned which resulted in direct connectivity from Iron ore mining to Port.
The Major Port is celebrating the 7th year of Sagarmala Programme inaugurated by the Prime Minister in March 2015. The Sagarmala Programme was launched with objectives of promoting port led economy development, augmenting port capacity, port connectivity and to reduce the logistic cost of EXIM cargo.
During the last 7 years Paradip Port commissioned projects worth of Rs.3200 crore under Port modernization plan. The clean cargo and container terminal with capacity of 5 MMTPA was commissioned at a cost of Rs.430 crore. The new Iron export terminal with a capacity of 10 MMTPA become operational at a cost of Rs.740crores. A new coal import terminal and coastal shipping coal terminal has also been commissioned during the current financial year at a cost of Rs 2090 crore.
Under the Sagarmala Programme port based industrialization is also one of the pillars under port led industrialization. A Multi Modal logistic park at a cost of Rs.200 crores over 100 acres of land is under development. Paradip Port has allocated land for setting up 2 nos of Pellet plants and POL Tank Terminal at a cost of Rs.7000 crores. A new Tank Terminal for Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. for transportation of crude at cost of Rs.1500 crores is being set up.
Paradip Port is in the final stage of awarding of most prestigious Western Dock project of 25 MMTPA capacity at a cost of Rs.3000 crore. This Western Dock will enable the Paradip Port to handle Cape size vessels.
Coastal community development is one of the major pillars of Sagarmala Project. Paradip Port, under Pradhan Mantri Mastya Sampad Yojana, is implementing augmentation and modernization of Paradip Fishing harbor at cost of Rs.99.75 crores. This project will upgrade the Paradip fishing harbor to a world class level and will improve the earning of the fishing community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled Gati Shakti Master Plan to bring about integrity planning and execution of projects to address the issue of Multimodal and last mile connectivity. Under PM Gati Shakti project, Paradip Port has taken up construction of 2nd exit Road-cum Fly over with a sum of Rs.93 crores to serve as an alternative road of the port. This is a 2.4 km length and four lane road –cum flyover is expected to relieve traffic congestion of Paradip city. It is expected to be completed by 2022-23.
Paradip Port started implementing the Maritime Vision 2030 unveiled by Hon’ble Prime Minister, during the March 2022. Under Maritime vision, there will be investment of Rs.300 lakh crores and is expected to generate employment of 20 lakhs job across all the major ports.
As per MIV 2030 Paradip Port is targeted to become half billion tonne capacity port by 2030 with 100% mechanization. Paradip Port have completed already 30 initiatives and another 63 initiatives are under progress.
Paradip Port giving highest priority for ease of doing business and has been implementing various digital solutions to improve efficiencies and transparency. As a part of its green initiatives, the number of steps like dry fog system, mechanical sprinkling, road sweeping machines, truck tyre washing , concreting of the roads, ambient air quality machines, Sewerage treatment plant have been taken up by Paradip Port. Paradip Port has set up a target of beautification of area with one lakh tree plantation.
Paradip Port Chairman P.L. Haranadh expressed gratitude to the Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Shipping Secretary Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan for their guidance, direction and support. He also thanked Ministry of Railways, Department of Customs, Govt. of Odisha for their support to achieve the above performance. He also congratulated all the exporters and importers, PPP Operators, User Industries, Stevedores, Steamer Agents, Trade Unions and officers and staff for their continued faith on the ability of the Port facilities.
