Manaswini Mohapatra 
A Leader Steering Odisha’s Maritime Ambitions
At a time when India is rapidly expanding its global trade footprint and investing heavily in sustainable infrastructure, one name has emerged as a defining force in the country’s maritime sector — Shri P. L. Haranadh, IRTS. As the Chairman of the Paradip Port Authority, he is leading one of India’s most strategically important ports through a phase of unprecedented growth, modernization, and green transformation.
A 1994-batch Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer, Shri Haranadh brings with him more than three decades of administrative and operational expertise spanning Indian Railways and India’s maritime ecosystem. Under his leadership, Paradip Port has not only emerged as India’s top-performing major port in cargo handling but is also positioning itself as a future-ready global maritime hub.
From Indian Railways to India’s Maritime Leadership
Before taking charge of Paradip Port Authority, Shri P. L. Haranadh served in several prestigious positions across India’s transport and logistics sectors. He spent nearly 22 years in Indian Railways, where he developed deep expertise in freight operations, logistics management, and infrastructure planning.
His maritime journey later saw him serve as Deputy Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port Authority and Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, where he earned recognition for operational reforms and strategic growth initiatives.
Academically accomplished as well, Shri Haranadh holds both a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute — a reflection of his analytical and research-driven approach to governance and development.
Transforming Paradip into India’s No. 1 Major Port
Under Shri Haranadh’s leadership, Paradip Port has scripted a remarkable success story in India’s maritime sector. The port handled over 150 million metric tonnes of cargo in FY 2024–25, making it one of the best-performing ports in the country.
Operational efficiency at the port has seen significant improvement through modernization initiatives, enhanced berth productivity, mechanized cargo systems, and streamlined logistics management. The port has also achieved record-breaking cargo handling milestones in recent years, further strengthening Odisha’s role in India’s trade ecosystem.
Shri Haranadh has repeatedly emphasized the importance of technology-driven operations, smart infrastructure, and customer-centric services in transforming Paradip into a world-class mega port.
Building the Green Hydrogen Hub of Eastern India
One of the most ambitious aspects of Shri Haranadh’s vision is the transformation of Paradip into a major green-energy cargo hub.
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways approved a ₹797 crore green hydrogen and ammonia handling jetty at Paradip Port. The project is expected to play a critical role in India’s clean energy transition while positioning Odisha as a strategic player in the global green fuel supply chain.
The proposed infrastructure will include:
Dedicated green hydrogen and ammonia handling facilities
Advanced storage and pipeline systems
Specialized safety infrastructure
Capacity to handle 4 million tonnes annually
The initiative aligns with India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and reflects Shri Haranadh’s commitment to building sustainable maritime infrastructure for the future.
Driving Smart Port and Mega Infrastructure Development
Shri Haranadh’s long-term vision extends far beyond cargo handling. His roadmap for Paradip Port includes transforming it into a “Smart Port” powered by advanced technology and AI-driven systems.
Several transformative initiatives are currently underway, including:
AI-based harbour management systems
Advanced vessel traffic management infrastructure
100% mechanization targets by 2030
Expansion projects to increase port capacity beyond 500 MMT by 2047
Development of the Western Dock project
Improved rail and road connectivity infrastructure
These projects are expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency while strengthening Paradip’s position as a key maritime gateway for Eastern and Central India.
Championing Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
Apart from industrial growth, Shri Haranadh has also focused strongly on sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Paradip Port Authority has undertaken one of the largest plantation drives among Indian ports, with nearly five lakh trees planted in recent years. The port now aims to achieve one million tree plantations, setting a new benchmark for green port development in India.
The port is also investing in renewable energy initiatives, including solar power infrastructure and green refuelling systems involving LNG and CNG facilities. These steps underline Shri Haranadh’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
A Visionary Shaping the Future of Maritime India
Today, Shri P. L. Haranadh stands as one of the most influential administrators shaping India’s maritime future. His blend of operational excellence, strategic vision, sustainability focus, and infrastructure leadership is transforming Paradip Port into a symbol of India’s next-generation growth story.
As Odisha emerges as a rising industrial and logistics powerhouse, leaders like Shri Haranadh are playing a crucial role in positioning the state at the heart of India’s economic transformation.
Under his stewardship, Paradip Port is no longer just a port — it is evolving into a global gateway for trade, innovation, green energy, and national development.
