Sonowal Launches ₹428-Crore Paradip Port Projects

• Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven projects worth ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port.
• Port achieved 18.5-metre deep-draft capability to handle fully laden Capesize vessels.
• Concession agreements worth ₹1,580.36 crore signed for 100% berth mechanisation by 2030.
• Minister planted Paradip Port’s one-millionth tree, highlighting sustainable maritime development.

GG News Bureau
Paradip, 21st Aug: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated seven infrastructure projects worth ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in Odisha, marking the port’s achievement of 18.5-metre deep-draft capability and witnessing the signing of concession agreements worth ₹1,580.36 crore for three major mechanisation projects.

The projects are aimed at strengthening Paradip’s cargo-handling capacity, improving operational efficiency, reducing logistics costs and supporting sustainable growth in India’s maritime sector.

Among the key projects inaugurated was the ₹352-crore capital dredging project, enabling the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels in its inner harbour. Other projects included the Atharbanki Second New Bridge, a sports hostel, administrative building upgrades, piped natural gas supply to residential quarters, and an advanced AI-enabled Vessel Traffic Management and Information System developed with IIT Madras.

During the event, Sonowal also planted Paradip Port’s one-millionth tree, marking a major environmental milestone. The plantation drive, intensified over the past four years, has added nearly one lakh trees annually to expand green cover and strengthen biodiversity around the port.

The Minister also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects valued at ₹1,580.36 crore. The projects include the 5 MTPA South Quay Mechanisation Project, 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth Mechanisation Project, and 10 MTPA Captive CQ-III Mechanisation Project, which will help Paradip achieve 100% berth mechanisation by 2030, up from the current 80%.

Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said the expansion of Paradip Port would strengthen eastern India’s trade and logistics ecosystem while creating employment opportunities and enhancing India’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.

He said the transformation of Paradip forms part of the broader maritime modernisation drive under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, adding that India’s ports, waterways and shipping sector have emerged as key drivers of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The Paradip Port Authority also showcased its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including placement-linked skill development for unemployed youth in Odisha in partnership with the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding (CEMS) and training programmes for coastal fishing communities with the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) to promote sustainable fishing practices and alternative livelihoods.