Indus Valley Times

By Pravakar Sahoo

Paradip, Jan. 27: Republic Day was celebrated with pump and gaiety by Paradip Port Authority. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA unfurled the National Flag. Addressing on the occasion, he said that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our country is marching fast toward 5 trillion economy, with all round development in all spheres. Port Sector is also exhibiting  unprecedented growth and development under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister of MoPSW, Shri Sarbanada Sonowal ji .

Today, Paradip Port stands tall as a shining star in the Indian maritime domain, earning accolades and setting unprecedented records that underscore its unwavering commitment to excellence. The recent “Sagar Shrestha Samman 2023” bestowed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is a testament to the dedication and hard work of each individual associated with Paradip Port. This achievement reflects the commitment and handwork, shown by team paradip and levels of operational efficiency and success of our innovative business developmental initiatives. In addition to these remarkable achievements, Paradip Port has also received the distinguished title of “Port of Operational Excellence” at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023. This further reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in maritime operations and efficiency.

Business development is dynamic subject, where port has to be vigilant and has to take quick decision to survive in the stiff competition in Maritime sector from neighboring ports. Paradip Port has been very successful in marketing effort and sustain the positive momentum set up in the last financial year.

PPA’s remarkable journey has reached new heights with the recent record-breaking achievement of crossing the 100 MMT cargo volume within an impressive 262 days of the current financial year. This outstanding feat, accomplished 22 days ahead of last year’s performance. Paradip Port is going to immerge as highest cargo handling major port of the country, first time in the 56 years history of operation, surpassing 20 years record, set by Deendayal Port.

Paradip Port, with its strategic proximity to the rich mineral and industrial hinterland, has been at the forefront of meeting the ever-growing demand of the region. Our focus on capacity expansion, port modernization, and enhanced port connectivity has been the key to our success. Over the last five years, we have added 55 MTPA of capacity, including 30 MTPA of berth mechanization, making us the Major Port with the highest capacity at 279 MTPA. Bhumi pujan of M/s Jindal Paradip Port Limited for the development of the 25 MTPA Western Dock Project has recently been done. This project, will take our port’s capacity beyond 300 MTPA upon completion. Importantly, the Western Dock project will enable us to handle fully laden Cape size vessels, bringing an economy of scale to the profitability of our customers.

As part of the Maritime India Vision 2030, Paradip Port is poised to evolve into a world-class mega port with over 400 MTPA capacity by 2030 through various capacity augmentation projects. All berths of the port will be mechanized, leading to enhanced productivity, eco-friendly cargo handling, and reduced logistics costs. Over 80 MTPA capacity addition projects are in the pipeline to be completed by FY 2030, and our vision extends to taking our capacity to over 500 MTPA by Amrit Kaal 2047.

As a part of our port led industrialization Multi Modal Logistic Park has been commissioned in 100 acres of port land with an investment of Rs.300 Cr., which has been inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu during Boita Bandana Utsav. This will enable to strengthen our efforts to diversify cargo basket by attracting container liners and serves the customers of our hinterland. Next financial year, we will definitely add another feather in our cap, by starting international container class to Colombo and eastern ports.

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paradip Port has been identified as one of the Major Ports to be developed as a hydrogen hub. Plans are underway for the development of port facilities, with a focus on hydrogen adoption and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol as propulsion fuel for ships. We are actively collaborating with the National Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) under The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to drive the green initiatives. TERI will be conducting study on operationlisation.

Last year, the auspicious Kartik Purnima on 27th November 2023 has been red letter day not only in the history of Paradip Port but also for Paradip township. As Hon’ble President of India Smt.Droupadi Murmu, daughter of Odisha made her maiden visit. We were over framed with happiness and gratitude for her elegant presence on that momentous occasion. Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for the project to modernize and upgrade the Paradip Fishing Harbour on January 8, 2024, in Paradip at a total estimated cost of Rs 108.91 Crore with 100% central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) under the Sagarmala Scheme. This Fishing Harbour Project shall be implemented by Paradip Port Authority with a completion period of 18 months. The Paradip-Barbil Road by NHAI will further enhance road connectivity to the Port.

Welfare of employees is on the top of agenda of PPA. During this financial year, PPA has taken a no. of steps to improve their welfare like Comprehensive Health Check-up of all contractual workers those who are engaged directly as well as through manpower contract/from outsourced agencies started w.e.f dt.09.12.2023. Mobile Medical Unit has been incepted which is going to different locations in the periphery and proving medical consultation, lab test and medicines free of cost to the poor patients.

The Board of Paradip Port Authority in their very first meeting held in the new year has approved the enhance benefits of Rs.245/- per day from the earlier Rs.165/- which will benefit about 1000 contractual workers. The salary of site engineers has increased by 50%. The House Building Advance for employees has been increased more than threefold to Rs.25 Lakhs from the earlier Rs.7.5 Lakhs. 91 quarters will be constructed in multistoried residential building format for the sake of employees.

Thereafter, Shri Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. Later on he awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents. CISF UNIT, PPA mesmerised the audience with spectacular Dog show and Fire drill. Chairman, PPA also inaugurated new Control room of Iron Ore Handling Plant and new Capacity Building Centre of CISF. An exhibition cricket match was held among PWD employees of the Port. Poets’ meet was organised at Officers’ Club by Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad and in the evening inter-school dance competitions on patriotic theme were held among school children at Jayadev Sadan.