THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, MAY 30, 2026

Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved a major national distinction by securing top honours at the prestigious Sagar Aankalan Awards, organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The remarkable achievement reaffirms Paradip Port’s position among India’s best-performing ports and highlights its excellence in cargo handling, operational efficiency, logistics management, and service delivery.

The awards were presented during a special ceremony held in Mumbai on Friday evening, where P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, received the coveted Sagar Aankalan Awards from Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The event witnessed the participation of senior dignitaries, policymakers, and key stakeholders from the maritime sector. The recognition reflects Paradip Port Authority’s outstanding performance across critical operational parameters, further consolidating its status as one of India’s leading maritime gateways.

Under the Sagar Aankalan Certificate for Logistics Port Performance, issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Paradip Port Authority secured the 1st Rank for its outstanding overall performance in handling Dry Bulk Cargo in the category of ports handling cargo volumes of greater than or equal to 5 Million Tonnes. The prestigious distinction underscores Paradip Port’s leadership in bulk cargo operations and its pivotal contribution to India’s industrial growth, energy security, and supply-chain efficiency.

Adding another feather to its cap, Paradip Port Authority also secured the 3rd Rank under the Sagar Aankalan Certificate for Logistics Port Performance for its outstanding overall performance in handling Container Cargo in the category of ports handling less than 0.5 Million TEUs. The recognition reflects the port’s steadily expanding capabilities in container operations and its commitment to providing efficient, reliable, and customer-focused services across diverse cargo segments.

During the event, Union Minister Sonowal formally launched the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI), a comprehensive national benchmarking framework developed under the Sagar Aankalan initiative. The index is designed to assess, benchmark, and enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and service standards of ports across the country, while driving continuous improvement in the maritime logistics ecosystem.

The Sagar Aankalan Awards recognise ports that demonstrate excellence in operational efficiency, cargo handling performance, infrastructure utilisation, vessel turnaround time, logistics facilitation, customer service, and overall port productivity. Paradip Port’s impressive performance in both dry bulk and container cargo categories reflects its sustained focus on modernization, digital transformation, infrastructure augmentation, and operational excellence.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized that the Logistics Port Performance Index would foster greater transparency, efficiency, and global competitiveness across Indian ports, thereby supporting the Government’s vision of transforming India into a leading maritime nation and global logistics hub.

Expressing his happiness over the achievement, PPA Chairman P. L. Haranadh said: "These recognitions are a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Paradip Port family, including employees, stakeholders, port users, and trade partners. Securing the 1st Rank in Dry Bulk Cargo performance and the 3rd Rank in Container Cargo performance under the Sagar Aankalan framework reflects our unwavering commitment to operational excellence, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. We remain committed to strengthening India's maritime sector and supporting the nation's economic growth."

The latest national recognition further strengthens Paradip Port Authority’s reputation as a high-performing maritime gateway and a key driver of India’s trade, logistics, and economic development. The achievement is also expected to enhance the port’s standing among global maritime stakeholders and reinforce its strategic role in supporting the country’s growing aspirations in international trade and port-led development.