Paradip Port Authority Infrastructure Development
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven major infrastructure projects worth ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port Authority in Odisha. The projects mark the port's achievement of 18.5-metre deep-draft capability and one-millionth tree plantation milestone. The Minister also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanization projects worth ₹1,580.36 crore aimed at achieving 100% berth mechanization by 2030.
Project Details and Investments
The ₹427.80 crore project package includes capital dredging worth ₹352 crore enabling Paradip Port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels in its inner harbour, improving economies of scale and reducing vessel turnaround and logistics costs. Other projects include the Atharbanki Second New Bridge (₹24.89 crore), a Sports Hostel (₹2.10 crore), Administrative Office Building façade upgrade (₹12.18 crore), Piped Natural Gas supply to residential quarters (₹20 crore), and an Advanced Vessel Traffic Management and Information System (₹15.50 crore). The PNG facility, developed with Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd., will extend connectivity to 546 residential quarters and is expected to reduce household gas expenses by up to 40%, making Paradip the first major port to provide PNG to its residential township.
Green Initiative and Mechanization Projects
The port achieved its one-millionth tree plantation milestone, building on drives initiated after the 1999 Super Cyclone. Nearly one lakh trees have been planted annually over the past four years with contributions from employees, stakeholders, and local communities. The three mechanization projects totaling ₹1,580.36 crore include a 5 MTPA South Quay mechanization project awarded to Yogayatan Paradip SQB Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (₹498.69 crore), an 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth mechanization project awarded to Kalinga Bulk Terminal Paradip Pvt. Ltd. (₹630.67 crore), and a 10 MTPA captive CQ-III mechanization project awarded to AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt. Ltd. (₹451 crore), all on Build-Operate-Transfer basis.
CSR and Community Development Initiatives
PPA implemented two CSR-funded skill-development initiatives during 2025-26. The Authority provided financial assistance to the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS), Visakhapatnam, for placement-linked training of 168 unemployed youth from Odisha in roles including inventory clerk, courier associate operations, and supply chain executive. PPA also supported the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) in conducting skill-development programs for Odisha's fishing communities, covering fish quality and hygienic handling, responsible fishing practices, and distribution of square-mesh cod-ends and bio-toilets.
Strategic Significance
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated that these investments would strengthen Paradip's position as a major maritime gateway and create wider economic opportunities across eastern India. The development is part of India's broader maritime modernization under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, aimed at making the sector a powerful engine of growth towards achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.