THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has further strengthened security and safety at the country's key maritime gateway with the commissioning of an advanced Radiological Detection Equipment (RDE) system at New Gate #1, officials said on Tuesday.

The newly installed system is designed to enhance the port's capability to detect and prevent the illicit movement of nuclear and radioactive materials through cargo and vehicles entering the facility.

The RDE system was inaugurated by Paradip Port Authority Deputy Chairperson T Venugopal in the presence of Electronics Corporation of India Limited (ECIL) AGM and Head (RID) G Dhananjaya, PPA Chief Mechanical Engineer Susil Chandra Nahak, heads of various departments and senior officials of ECIL.

The project, valued at more than Rs 21.32 crore, covers the supply, installation and commissioning of advanced radiological detection systems, besides a comprehensive 10-year Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC). The project has been executed in collaboration with ECIL, a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy.

The equipment installed under the project includes advanced Vehicle Monitoring Systems (VMS 4030), isotope identifiers and high-precision radiation survey meters. These systems will facilitate systematic screening of vehicles and cargo for the presence of radioactive materials and strengthen the port's radiological security framework.

The project also provides for a 12-month warranty followed by a 10-year CAMC with ECIL. The long-term maintenance arrangement is aimed at ensuring reliable system availability through preventive maintenance, technical support and timely response to operational requirements.

The commissioning of the RDE system marks another step in PPA's efforts to modernise its security infrastructure and deploy advanced technologies for safer port operations.

The initiative is also in line with PPA's broader objective of developing Paradip as a smart, secure and technologically advanced maritime hub, while contributing to the strengthening of safety and security across India's critical port infrastructure.