Maritime News, Odisha, India: Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has reinforced its position as a key engine of eastern India’s maritime economy, posting record cargo handling of 150.41 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024–25 — the highest among India’s major ports.
The milestone comes as Odisha sharpens its long-term economic ambitions, targeting a $500 billion economy by 2036 and scaling to $1.5 trillion by 2047.
During a strategic review visit to the port, Odisha Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg, IAS, assessed operational readiness and future expansion plans aimed at transforming Paradip into a globally competitive maritime hub. She was received by Shri P. L. Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman of PPA, and accorded a ceremonial guard of honour before undertaking a marine review of berth infrastructure, vessel traffic management systems, and harbour operations.
From Record Throughput to Capacity Leap
With a rated capacity of 289 MTPA and industry-leading productivity indicators, Paradip Port has emerged as a benchmark among India’s major ports. The port also reported a provisional net surplus of ₹1,860 crore, while maintaining some of the lowest vessel and cargo handling charges nationally — reinforcing its commercial competitiveness.
However, the State’s roadmap envisions a far more ambitious trajectory.
Under the proposed “Paradip Port 2.0” vision, capacity expansion beyond 500 MTPA is being targeted. Plans include Western Dock deepening, enhanced marine infrastructure, and development of a dedicated green hydrogen berth — aligning port expansion with India’s clean energy transition goals.
Maritime Backbone of Odisha’s Economic Vision
Odisha’s coastline is increasingly being positioned as a strategic economic asset. The Chief Secretary emphasised port-led development as central to achieving sustained double-digit growth, particularly through exports, shipbuilding and maritime-linked industries.
Discussions during the visit also covered the proposed 150 MTPA Bahuda Port in Ganjam district and a 1.2 million gross tonnage shipbuilding and ship repair cluster north of the Mahanadi in Kendrapara district. Both projects are proposed under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) between the Government of Odisha and Paradip Port Authority.
If executed as envisioned, these initiatives could significantly enhance Odisha’s maritime industrial base — shifting from raw material throughput toward higher-value shipbuilding and coastal manufacturing ecosystems.
Integrating Industry and Infrastructure
The review highlighted the importance of synchronising port growth with industrial corridors such as the PCPIR region, the Plastic Park, AMNS facilities, and emerging green hydrogen hubs.
The development strategy also extends beyond cargo — incorporating urban infrastructure, housing, tourism and cruise potential. A cruise terminal proposal at Puri was discussed as part of diversifying maritime-linked revenue streams.
State leadership underscored the need for planned land use, strong law and order, and inclusive civic infrastructure to ensure balanced growth around expanding port ecosystems.
Diversification Beyond Mining
While mineral exports remain a key driver, Odisha is seeking to diversify into shipbuilding, renewable energy, rare earth processing, aerospace, apparel, and tourism.
With strong fiscal discipline and high capital expenditure allocation, the State aims to transition from resource-dependent growth toward a broader industrial maritime economy.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to position Paradip not merely as a cargo gateway, but as a strategic maritime platform underpinning Odisha’s long-term economic transformation.
Senior district officials and Paradip Port Authority leadership participated in the review discussions.
