Paradip,Aug. 22 (UDN): Odisha’s Paradip Port has crossed a landmark annual cargo handling capacity of 150 million metric tonnes (MT), marking a major milestone in the state’s maritime sector. The achievement was announced by Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal during his visit to the port on Friday.
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The minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for seven infrastructure projects worth Rs 427.80 crore, aimed at strengthening the port’s operational capacity and supporting future expansion.
Port Targets 500 MT Capacity
Speaking at the event, Sonowal said Paradip Port is now aiming to expand its cargo handling capacity to 500 million metric tonnes per annum, describing the latest achievement as a testament to the port’s growing role in India’s maritime network.
He credited the Odisha government and local stakeholders for contributing to the port’s growth and reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to further developing the facility.
Rs 21,000-Crore Greenfield Port Planned at Bahuda
The Union Minister also announced plans for a Rs 21,000-crore greenfield port at Bahuda in Ganjam district, a project expected to significantly strengthen Odisha’s maritime infrastructure.
According to the proposal, the new port is expected to handle around five million containers, creating additional capacity for trade and logistics along the state’s coastline.
Development and Employment Push
The programme also highlighted ongoing development initiatives linked to Paradip Port. Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai said the event showcased the port’s recent achievements, witnessed the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and included the distribution of appointment letters to newly recruited youths.
Odisha Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the infrastructure initiatives would accelerate the growth of both Paradip Port and the state’s economy, adding that enhanced facilities would enable the port to accommodate larger cargo vessels and increase its handling capacity.
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