Paradip: Odisha’s Paradip Port has achieved a significant milestone by reaching an annual cargo handling capacity of 150 million metric tonnes (MMT), Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said during his visit to the port on Friday.
The achievement marks another major step in the expansion of Odisha’s maritime infrastructure, with the Centre and state government now focusing on further increasing the port’s capacity and strengthening its role in India’s logistics and trade network.
During his visit, Sonowal also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for seven major projects worth Rs 427.80 crore at Paradip Port.
Paradip Port Targets 500 MT Capacity
With its current capacity touching 150 MMT, Paradip Port is now looking at an ambitious target of handling 500 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.
Sonowal credited the Odisha government and the people of the state for supporting the port’s development and said the latest milestone reflected Paradip’s growing importance in India’s maritime sector.
The expansion is expected to improve the port’s ability to handle larger volumes of cargo and strengthen connectivity for industries dependent on maritime transportation.
Seven Projects Worth Rs 427.80 Crore
The Union Minister inaugurated several completed projects and laid foundation stones for new infrastructure works during his visit.
The projects, with a combined investment of Rs 427.80 crore, are aimed at improving port infrastructure, strengthening cargo-handling capabilities and supporting the growing volume of maritime trade through Paradip.
The development push is also expected to create opportunities for employment and support industries and businesses linked to the port ecosystem.
Focus on Odisha’s Maritime Growth
Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai highlighted Paradip Port’s recent achievements and the development initiatives being undertaken in the region.
He also congratulated young people who received appointment letters for new employment opportunities during the minister’s visit.
According to Tarai, various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) have also been signed as part of the development initiatives, with continued investment expected to further strengthen Paradip’s position.
Odisha Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the initiatives would contribute to the growth of both Paradip Port and the state.
The expansion of cargo-handling infrastructure is expected to enable the port to accommodate greater volumes of goods and support vessels carrying large consignments.
Rs 21,000-Crore Bahuda Greenfield Port Planned
Alongside the expansion of Paradip Port, Odisha is also set to witness another major development in the maritime sector.
The Centre has planned a greenfield port at Bahuda in Ganjam district, involving an estimated investment of Rs 21,000 crore.
The proposed port is expected to have the capacity to handle around five million containers, potentially creating a major new hub for containerised cargo and strengthening Odisha’s position on the country’s eastern maritime map.
The Bahuda project, together with the expansion of Paradip, is expected to give a significant boost to Odisha’s port infrastructure, logistics sector, industrial activity and employment opportunities.
Paradip’s Growing Role in India’s Trade Network
The latest developments underline the increasing importance of Odisha’s coastline in the country’s maritime economy.
With Paradip aiming for 500 MMT annual cargo handling capacity and the proposed Bahuda greenfield port adding substantial future capacity, Odisha is positioning itself as a major maritime and logistics hub.
The expansion of port infrastructure could also benefit industries by improving cargo movement, reducing logistical constraints and strengthening access to domestic and international markets.
