Indus Valley Times

By Pravakar Sahoo

Paradip,May 20:Paradip Port Authority (PPA) hosted its prestigious Annual Awards Nite 2026 & Stakeholders’ Meet on the evening of 20th May at Mayfair Bay Resort (Orchid Hall), Paradip, dedicated to recognising and celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of various stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in the Port’s success during the past fiscal year. The event brought together key figures from the maritime sector including exporters, importers, officers, staff unions, PPP operators, stevedores, shipping agents, Railways, Customs and State Government officials.

Shri P. L. Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, along with Shri T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, presented awards and shared prize money with award-winning stakeholders in recognition of their exemplary performance, operational excellence and valuable contribution towards the Port’s historic growth and achievements.

In his address, Chairman Shri P. L. Haranadh stated that Paradip Port Authority is on a trajectory of unprecedented growth, establishing itself as a premier maritime hub both nationally and internationally. He expressed his deep gratitude to the port’s stakeholders, including exporters, importers and ship owners, for their unwavering confidence and support.

Highlighting the port’s remarkable performance, Shri Haranadh noted that Paradip has achieved a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of nearly 9% over the last four years, which is more than double the national maritime sector’s average growth of 4%. This resilience has enabled Paradip Port to consistently outperform other major domestic ports and register its best-ever performance in the Port’s history since operations began in 1967.

Despite facing significant recent challenges, such as a substantial dip of over 10 million tonnes in iron ore traffic and stagnant coastal thermal coal volumes due to the nation’s increasing reliance on renewable energy and imports, the Port is looking toward a highly promising future. Shri Haranadh emphasized that the ongoing domestic import substitution strategy, driven by the Government of India’s focus on conserving foreign exchange reserves, is expected to generate massive domestic coal demand from power generation companies.

To seamlessly accommodate this growing demand, Paradip Port has launched a major infrastructure expansion programme. The Port, which currently operates 18 berths, is set to add five new cape-enable berths within the next two to three months, increasing the total number of berths to 23. Additionally, the remaining four semi-mechanized berths will be fully mechanized within a month to enhance operational productivity.

The Chairman further informed that Paradip Port is also on the verge of awarding an exclusive container terminal in the coming months. Simultaneously, tender processes are underway for a dedicated green hydrogen, green ammonia and liquid cargo berth. These strategic developments will elevate the Port’s handling capacity from 290 million tonnes to 350 million tonnes by 2030, positioning Paradip as the largest port by capacity in the country.

Reiterating the Port’s commitment to transforming into a customer-centric “smart port,” Shri Haranadh highlighted the successful implementation of the Enterprise Business System (EBS) from January 1st and thanked all users for their swift adaptation. He emphasized that the core philosophy of Paradip Port is firmly rooted in enhancing the “Ease of Doing Business.”

He reassured stakeholders that the Port management functions as a proactive facilitator rather than a rigid government organisation, always ready to address concerns and deliver solutions efficiently. These initiatives are aimed at creating a more congenial, reliable and convenient ecosystem where all stakeholders can mutually benefit and grow alongside Paradip Port’s historic expansion.

Shri Haranadh also expressed sincere gratitude to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Shri Shantanu Thakur, Hon’ble Minister of State, for their guidance and leadership. He acknowledged the continued support of the Ministry of Railways, Government of Odisha and the Department of Customs in strengthening Paradip Port’s growth story.

The Awards Nite 2026 celebrated the spirit of partnership, dedication and shared achievement that continues to drive Paradip Port towards greater milestones in operational excellence, sustainability and innovation.

Capt. Alekha Charan Sahoo, Deputy Conservator, Paradip Port Authority, delivered the vote of thanks, concluding the evening on a high note of camaraderie and shared vision.