Paradip/Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Friday undertook a comprehensive review of operations and expansion plans at the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), reinforcing the State Government’s commitment to port-led industrial and export-driven growth.
She was received by PPA Chairman P. L. Haranadh, at the Wet Basin and accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour by the CISF Unit. The Chief Secretary later took a launch ride to assess berth readiness, vessel traffic management systems, and ongoing marine operations.
Paradip Port has emerged as India’s top-performing major port, recording an all-time high cargo handling of 150.41 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2024–25. With a rated capacity of 289 MTPA and a provisional net surplus of ₹1,860 crore, the port has set new benchmarks in productivity while maintaining the lowest vessel and cargo charges among major ports in the country.
During discussions with senior officials, Garg outlined Odisha’s ambitious economic roadmap of achieving a $500 billion economy by 2036 and scaling up to $1.5 trillion by 2047. She stressed the need for sustained double-digit growth powered by exports, shipbuilding, and maritime-led industrialisation, highlighting Odisha’s long coastline as a strategic advantage.
The Chief Secretary underscored the “Paradip Port 2.0” vision, which includes expanding capacity beyond 500 MTPA, deepening of the Western Dock, and development of a dedicated green hydrogen berth. The meeting also reviewed plans for a proposed 150 MTPA Bahuda Port in Ganjam district and the establishment of a 1.2 million gross tonnage shipbuilding and ship repair cluster north of the Mahanadi in Kendrapara district. These projects are proposed to be developed through a Special Purpose Vehicle between the Government of Odisha and PPA, significantly strengthening the State’s maritime economy.
The development of a cruise terminal at Puri also figured prominently in the discussions, with emphasis on time-bound implementation to boost coastal tourism and cruise-based economic activity.
Garg called for integrated development of Paradip alongside industrial expansion in the PCPIR region, Plastic Park, AMNS, and the emerging Green Hydrogen hub. She emphasised the need for planned land use, robust law and order, industrial townships, housing, tourism infrastructure, and modern urban amenities to support sustainable growth.
Referring to Odisha’s strong fiscal position and high capital expenditure allocation, the Chief Secretary advocated diversification beyond mining into sunrise sectors such as shipbuilding, renewable energy, rare earth processing, aerospace, apparel, tourism, and cruise development to ensure long-term resilience and inclusive economic expansion.
District Collector and District Magistrate of Jagatsinghpur J. Sonal, Superintendent of Police Ankit Kumar Verma, PPA Deputy Chairman T. Venu Gopal, and other senior officials were present during the visit.
As part of her day-long tour of Paradip, the Chief Secretary also chaired a high-level review meeting at IFFCO Paradeep, where she interacted with industrial leaders and reviewed the progress of major projects. She assessed challenges faced by industries including IFFCO Paradeep, PPL Paradeep, JSW Utkal Steel Limited, and AMNS, along with other units operating in the region.
The review covered road connectivity, township development, hospital infrastructure, construction of multi-specialty hospitals, and the proposed airport at Paradip. Industry representatives raised operational issues, following which necessary directions were issued for their swift resolution.
The visit reaffirmed a coordinated push by the State Government and port authorities to transform Paradip into a globally competitive maritime gateway and a key driver of Odisha’s economic growth trajectory.
