THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PARADIP, JANUARY 26, 2026

Declaring that Paradip Port is firmly on course to emerge as a world-class mega port with a capacity crossing 300 Million Metric Tonnes in the coming year, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Chairman P. L. Haranadh on Monday laid out an ambitious and future-ready roadmap for one of India’s most strategic maritime gateways during the 77th Republic Day celebrations.

The Republic Day ceremony was held with patriotic fervour at the Port premises, where Haranadh unfurled the National Flag in the presence of Deputy Chairman T. Venu Gopal, senior officers, employees, CISF personnel and key stakeholders.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rapidly emerging as a global economic powerhouse, with Paradip Port playing a pivotal role as the “Gateway of India’s Growth”.

Highlighting the port’s stellar performance, Haranadh noted that Paradip Port has recorded a robust compound annual growth rate of nine percent over the last three years, significantly higher than the national average. He said the Port retained its position as India’s number one cargo-handling major port by achieving a historic throughput of 150 Million Metric Tonnes in the last financial year. Paradip continues to set benchmarks in operational efficiency, with berth productivity nearly double the national average and handling close to one-third of India’s total coastal cargo.

Outlining the transformative expansion underway, the Chairman said Paradip Port is rapidly transitioning into a mega port with a long-term vision of achieving 350 MMT capacity by 2030. He informed that the Western Dock Project is progressing ahead of schedule, while capital dredging to enable handling of Cape Size vessels will be completed by March 2026. The Port is also moving decisively towards 100 percent mechanization to enhance productivity, safety and environmental sustainability.

In a major thrust towards green growth, Haranadh announced that Paradip Port is being developed as the Green Hydrogen Hub of eastern India. He revealed that the Port has already signed memorandums of understanding worth ₹1.5 lakh crore for Green Hydrogen and e-Methanol projects. With a strong push towards renewable energy, including a 10 MW solar power plant and a green cover of one million trees, Paradip Port is set to achieve the status of a Green Port within the next five months. By December 2026, all Port buses will operate on Green Hydrogen, marking a significant step towards carbon neutrality.

The Chairman also announced far-reaching employee welfare initiatives, including substantial hikes in salaries and allowances for both regular and contractual employees, along with the provision of subsidized Piped Natural Gas connections in Port residential quarters, reinforcing PPA’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Emphasizing integrated regional development, Haranadh unveiled plans for landmark projects such as the Kalinga Maritime Museum, a commercial complex with multiplex and food court, a separate commercial mall, and large-scale development of Sector 21 featuring marina and boating facilities. A newly constructed 2.5-kilometre flyover will significantly improve traffic flow and enhance road safety in the Port area.

Looking beyond Paradip, he informed that PPA is developing a 150 MMT satellite port at Bahuda in Ganjam district and a shipbuilding and ship repair facility of 1.5 million gross tonnes near Paradip, further strengthening Odisha’s maritime ecosystem.

The 77th Republic Day celebrations also showcased community participation and cultural vibrancy. Prizes were distributed to winners of various competitions among local school children, officers and employees, while trophies were presented to the best marching contingents. The CISF unit enthralled the audience with an impressive dog show and fire drill demonstration. The day featured an exhibition cricket match among PPA employees, a poets’ meet at the Officers’ Club organized by Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad, and concluded with colourful inter-school patriotic dance competitions at the Biju Convention Centre, reflecting the spirit, talent and enthusiasm of the younger generation.