Major Infrastructure Boost at Paradip Port: Union Minister Unveils ₹427.80 Crore Projects

Inauguration of Key Projects at Paradip Port

Paradip: On Friday, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated a series of infrastructure initiatives valued at ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port, located in Jagatsinghpur district, Odisha.

Among the key projects launched was an 18.5-meter deep-draft capability costing ₹352 crore, designed to accommodate fully loaded capesize vessels within the inner harbour. This enhancement is expected to improve operational efficiency and lower logistics costs.

Additional projects included a three-lane bridge spanning 500 meters, valued at ₹24.89 crore, a sports hostel costing ₹2.10 crore, and an upgraded administrative office building at ₹12.18 crore.

The minister also inaugurated a ₹20 crore project for piped natural gas supply to residential quarters in the port area, along with a ₹15.50 crore advanced vessel traffic management and information system.

In a post shared on X, Sonowal remarked, "Paradip Port sets a new benchmark for sustainable living! I inaugurated the ₹20 crore Piped Natural Gas (PNG) infrastructure for residents of @paradipport Township by lighting the stove and making tea at an employee quarter here today."

He expressed pride in Paradip becoming India's first Major Port to offer PNG connectivity, which is anticipated to provide cleaner energy and reduce household gas expenses by up to 40%.

Joining Sonowal were Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, and Paradip Port Authority Chairman PL Haranadh.

The shipping minister emphasized that these investments would enhance Paradip's status as a significant maritime gateway, fostering broader economic opportunities in the eastern region.

He stated, "The expansion of Paradip Port's capacity is not just about enhancing one port; it is about creating a growth multiplier for eastern India. With deeper drafts, modern cargo-handling infrastructure, improved connectivity, and increased mechanization, Paradip is poised to drive trade, logistics, industry, and employment across the region, contributing to India's emergence as a globally competitive maritime economy."

Sonowal also oversaw the signing of concession agreements for three mechanization projects totaling ₹1,580.36 crore, aimed at bolstering Paradip's capacity and efficiency in cargo handling.

These initiatives are part of a broader plan to achieve 100% berth mechanization by 2030, up from the current 80%, according to a port official.

The projects are expected to facilitate faster, safer, and cleaner cargo handling while minimizing vessel turnaround times and logistics costs.

Sonowal noted that the development of Paradip is part of a larger transformation occurring within India's maritime sector.

He added, "Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered an unprecedented phase of maritime modernization. Over the past 12 years, we have fundamentally strengthened our ports, waterways, shipping, and maritime capabilities, making the sector a powerful engine of growth and the anchor of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and our journey towards 'Viksit Bharat' 2047."

To commemorate the occasion, Sonowal planted a sapling, marking a significant milestone in the port's initiative to plant one million trees and enhance green cover.

This green initiative builds on plantation efforts initiated after the 1999 Super Cyclone, with the authority intensifying such activities over the last four years.

The Paradip Port Authority reported that nearly 100,000 trees have been planted annually during this period, with contributions from employees, stakeholders, and local communities.