Paradip: On Friday, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated infrastructure projects valued at ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port, located in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district. These initiatives are designed to enhance vessel handling, connectivity, energy supply, and overall port operations.
A major highlight was the launch of a ₹352-crore project to enable 18.5-metre deep-draft capabilities in the inner harbour, allowing for the accommodation of fully laden Capesize vessels. Officials indicated that this development would lead to improved economies of scale, decreased vessel turnaround times, and reduced logistics expenses.
Additionally, Sonowal inaugurated a 500-metre, three-lane bridge, built at the cost of ₹24.89 crore, a sports hostel costing ₹2.10 crore, and an upgraded administrative office valued at ₹12.18 crore.
Other notable projects included a ₹20-crore piped natural gas (PNG) network for the residential areas of the port township and a sophisticated Vessel Traffic Management and Information System developed at an investment of ₹15.50 crore.
During the event, Sonowal remarked that Paradip has established a new standard for sustainable living with the introduction of PNG connectivity for residents. He noted that Paradip is now the first major port in India to offer PNG connectivity, which will provide cleaner and more reliable energy while potentially lowering household cooking-gas costs by up to 40 percent.
The minister was joined by Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai, and Paradip Port Authority Chairman P L Haranadh.
In his address, Sonowal emphasized that the investments in Paradip are not just about expanding the port but also about creating a significant economic multiplier for eastern India. He stated that deeper drafts, modern cargo-handling capabilities, improved connectivity, and increased mechanization will position Paradip as a key player in trade, logistics, industrial growth, and job creation in the region.
During the ceremony, Sonowal also oversaw the signing of concession agreements for three mechanization projects, which together involve an investment of ₹1,580.36 crore. These projects are part of the Paradip Port Authority’s vision to achieve complete berth mechanization by 2030. Currently, about 80 percent of the port’s berths are mechanized, according to an official.
The planned mechanization is expected to improve the speed, safety, and environmental performance of cargo operations, while also shortening vessel turnaround times and cutting logistics costs.
Sonowal highlighted that the development of Paradip aligns with the government’s broader mission to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure. He pointed out that significant advancements have been made in strengthening ports, waterways, shipping, and related maritime sectors over the past 12 years, with this industry emerging as a crucial driver of economic growth and self-sufficiency.
As part of the event, the minister also planted a sapling at the port, symbolizing a key milestone in the Paradip Port Authority’s initiative to plant one million trees and enhance green cover. The port’s plantation efforts began following the devastation of the 1999 Super Cyclone and have gained renewed vigor in recent years, with nearly one lakh trees planted annually over the last four years, involving employees, stakeholders, and local communities.
