PARADIP: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated seven major infrastructure projects worth Rs 427.80 crore at Paradip Port Authority (PPA), marking the port’s achievement of an 18.5-metre deep-draft capability.
Addressing the gathering, Sonowal said the expansion of Paradip port would strengthen its position as a major maritime gateway and create wider economic opportunities in eastern India. He said modern cargo-handling infrastructure, deeper drafts, improved connectivity and mechanisation would boost trade, logistics, industrial activity and employment opportunities.
The projects inaugurated include capital dredging for achieving the 18.5-metre deep-draft capability at a cost of Rs 352 crore, the Atharbanki Second New Bridge at Rs 24.89 crore and an Advanced Vessel Traffic Management and Information System developed in collaboration with IIT Madras’ National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts.
The minister also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects worth Rs 1,580.36 crore, aimed at enhancing cargo-handling capacity, improving operational efficiency and reducing vessel turnaround time. The mechanisation projects include the 5 MTPA South Quay mechanisation project, awarded to Yogayatan Paradip SQB Terminal Pvt Ltd for Rs 498.69 crore; the 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth mechanisation project, awarded to Kalinga Bulk Terminal Paradip Pvt Ltd for Rs 630.67 crore; and the 10 MTPA Captive CQ-III mechanisation project, awarded to AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt Ltd for Rs 451 crore.
Sonowal also planted Paradip Port’s one-millionth tree, highlighting the port’s green initiatives launched after the 1999 Super Cyclone. The port authority also highlighted its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including placement-linked skill training for 168 unemployed youths from Odisha through the Centre of Excellence in Maritime and Shipbuilding in Visakhapatnam.