Paradip Port aims to handle 300 million tonnes cargo every year: CM

Kendrapada: Paradip Port aims to handle 300 million tonnes annually under the Maritime India Vision-2030 and enhance its capacity under Viksit Bharat-2047 to 500 million tonnes transforming it into a mega port, said chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday while addressing a meeting after flagging off Boita Bandana ceremony at Paradip Port on the occasion of Kartik Purnima.Highlighting the pivotal role of Paradip Port in Odisha’s development, Majhi said it has emerged as one of India’s premier ports with its cargo handling capacity increasing from 71 million tonnes in 2015 to 150 million tonnes in 2025.He announced that the Odisha govt in collaboration with Paradip Port Authority plans to establish a Rs 21,500 crore major port in Ganjam district’s Bahuda and a Rs 24,700 crore shipbuilding and repair yard at Mahanadi river mouth in Kendrapada district.

“A world-class cruise terminal will be set up in Puri. It will give a major boost to Odisha’s trade, tourism, and industrial sectors,” he added.He said in alignment with the Centre’s Sagarmala, Gati Shakti, and national logistics policies, Odisha is developing a robust port-led economy. The state govt is working to establish coastal economic zones across coastal districts. He said “under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has entered a new era of maritime trade, and as envisioned in Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision-2047, Indian ports are set to become world-class.

”Boita Bandana and Bali Jatra are not just festivals, but reflections of Odisha’s rich maritime history and the indomitable spirit of the Sadhabas—the brave seafarers of ancient Kalinga. This glorious tradition continues to inspire Odias to pursue new heights with courage and perseverance, he added.The minister of industries, skill development & technical education Sampad Chandra Swain, in his address, said the state govt is prioritising industries, infrastructure, employment generation, and skill development around port-based economic growth.

He said development of Paradip Port not only benefits Odisha but also strengthens India’s overall maritime economy.Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai said in the coming years Paradip will become the center of new industrial, educational, and transport-based projects, transforming the economic landscape of Jagatsinghpur and the entire state. He said Paradip’s success is Odisha’s pride and a beacon of its future aspirations.Paradip Port Authority chairman P L Haranadh said over the past four years, Paradip Port has consistently achieved new records, surpassing the milestones of the past five decades. He credited the progress to capacity expansion, operational efficiency, skill development, and above all, the dedication and teamwork of “Team Paradip,” which has made Paradip India’s no. 1 port.