Sonowal Witnesses ₹1,580.36-Crore Concession Agreements for 100% Berth Mechanisation by 2030

Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven major infrastructure projects worth ₹427.80 crore at Paradip Port Authority (PPA) in Paradip, Odisha, marking the port's 18.5-metre deep-draft capability and its one-millionth tree milestone, while also witnessing the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects worth ₹1,580.36 crore aimed at further strengthening Paradip's capacity, efficiency and cargo-handling capabilities.

The projects span navigation, connectivity, safety, sustainability, residential infrastructure and community development, while the mechanisation projects are aimed at improving cargo handling and reducing vessel turnaround time.

The Union Minister was joined by Odisha Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain; Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai; Paradip Port Authority Chairman P. L. Haranadh, IRTS; Deputy Chairman T. Venu Gopal; senior officials, stakeholders and members of the Paradip Port community.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the investments would strengthen Paradip's position as a major maritime gateway and create wider economic opportunities across the eastern region.

“The expansion of Paradip Port's capacity is not only about strengthening one port; it is about creating a growth multiplier for eastern India. With deeper drafts, modern cargo-handling infrastructure, improved connectivity and greater mechanisation, Paradip is well positioned to drive trade, logistics, industry and employment across the region and contribute to India's emergence as a globally competitive maritime economy,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.

SEVEN PROJECTS WORTH ₹427.80 CRORE

The ₹427.80 crore project package includes:

• 18.5-metre deep-draft capability: ₹352 crore: Capital dredging will enable Paradip Port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels in its inner harbour, improving economies of scale and helping reduce vessel turnaround and logistics costs.
• Atharbanki Second New Bridge: ₹24.89 crore: The 500-metre, three-lane bridge, with footpaths and a dedicated pipeline corridor across Atharbanki Creek, is expected to ease congestion along a route used by nearly 3,000 trucks daily.
• Sports Hostel: ₹2.10 crore: The facility will provide accommodation and amenities for aspiring athletes, supporting youth development.
• Administrative Office Building façade upgrade: ₹12.18 crore: The redevelopment of the 1980s-era building and its surroundings, executed by NBCC (India) Ltd., includes improved parking and circulation facilities.
• Piped Natural Gas supply to residential quarters: ₹20 crore: Developed in partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd., the first phase will extend PNG connectivity to 546 residential quarters in Madhuban. The facility is expected to reduce household gas expenses by up to 40% and make Paradip the first major port to provide PNG to its residential township.
• Advanced Vessel Traffic Management and Information System: ₹15.50 crore: Developed with the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts at IIT Madras, the system integrates solid-state radar, artificial intelligence, AIS, CCTV, oil-spill monitoring and 3D visualisation to monitor vessel movement up to 20 nautical miles from a modern ATC-style signal station.
• One-millionth tree: Sonowal planted Paradip Port's one-millionth tree, marking a milestone in the port's plantation and green-cover initiatives.

The green milestone builds on plantation drives initiated after the 1999 Super Cyclone, with the Authority intensifying plantation activities over the past four years. PPA said nearly one lakh trees have been planted annually during this period, with employees, stakeholders and local communities contributing to the effort. The port said the initiative is aimed at expanding green cover, supporting biodiversity and strengthening environmental sustainability.