THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, APRIL 1, 2026

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved a historic milestone in FY 2025–26, reinforcing its position as the leading major port on India’s eastern coast. The port handled an all-time high cargo throughput of 156.45 million metric tonnes (MMT), entering the elite 155+ MMT club and recording a 4.01 per cent growth over the previous financial year — the highest performance since the port became operational in 1966.

The achievement comes despite challenging global market conditions, including reduced export demand for iron ore and supply disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis, which affected imports of limestone and fertiliser raw materials. Nevertheless, Paradip Port maintained its leadership in cargo handling among both major and non-major ports on the eastern coast.

PPA also retained its distinction as the country’s best-performing bulk port, registering the highest berth productivity among Indian ports at 35,059 MT per day per berth, nearly double the national average of around 18,000 MT. This reflects significant gains driven by strategic system upgrades and improved operational efficiency.

Coastal cargo accounted for 42.06 per cent of total throughput, reaching 65.81 MMT, making Paradip the leading port in coastal shipping among Indian major ports. During the fiscal year, Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) cargo rose by 25.68 per cent, while steel cargo surged by 43 per cent. Coal handling increased by 4.44 per cent, container traffic grew by 7.77 per cent, and flux handling rose by 18.32 per cent. Notably, LPG cargo recorded a sharp 105 per cent growth, demonstrating broad-based expansion across major cargo segments.

The port’s extensive hinterland, rich in mineral resources such as iron ore, coal, and limestone, along with the presence of major steel plants and fertiliser industries, continues to drive cargo volumes, particularly for raw material imports catering to fertiliser manufacturers.

Among terminal operators, Kalinga International Coal Terminal Pvt. Ltd. posted 18.92 per cent growth, while Paradip International Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd. achieved 19.53 per cent growth, with both terminals recording their highest-ever cargo volumes. PICT played a significant role in boosting the overall performance of the port.

Paradip Port also reported its best-ever financial performance in FY 2025–26, setting new benchmarks among Indian major ports. For the first time, the port’s net surplus crossed ₹2,000 crore, while the operating ratio improved to 31 per cent, reflecting strong financial discipline alongside operational excellence.

Looking ahead, the port is advancing key expansion and sustainability initiatives. The 25 MMTPA Western Dock Project, being developed by JPPL, is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by 2026. Plans are also underway to establish a Green Hydrogen/Ammonia Export Terminal, aligning with emerging global clean energy priorities. PPA has also initiated steps to modernise all berths, positioning itself to become India’s first fully mechanised bulk port well before 2030.

Paradip Port Authority Chairman P. L. Haranadh congratulated exporters, importers, employees, trade unions, PPP operators, stevedores, and shipping agents for their collective contribution to this achievement. He expressed gratitude to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, and Minister of State Shantanu Thakur for their guidance and leadership. He also acknowledged the support extended by the Ministry of Railways, Government of Odisha, and the Department of Customs in sustaining the port’s growth momentum.