Paradip Port receives Rs 427.80 crore in new infrastructure projects

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has inaugurated seven infrastructure projects worth Rs 427.80 crore at Paradip Port in Odisha. A primary component of this investment is a Rs 352 crore capital dredging project that establishes an 18.5-metre deep-draft capability, allowing the port to handle fully laden capesize vessels in its inner harbour to reduce turnaround times and logistics costs.

Other key projects include a 500-metre three-lane bridge costing Rs 24.89 crore, an advanced vessel traffic management and information system developed with IIT Madras, and a Rs 20 crore piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure project for the port township. The minister noted that Paradip is the first major Indian port to introduce PNG connectivity, which is expected to reduce household gas expenses by up to 40 per cent.

Additionally, concession agreements were signed for three mechanisation projects totaling Rs 1,580.36 crore. These projects, awarded to Yogayatan Paradip SQB Terminal Pvt Ltd, Kalinga Bulk Terminal Paradip Pvt Ltd, and AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt Ltd, aim to enhance cargo-handling capacity and operational efficiency across various quays and berths.