Paradip, a pivotal player among India’s Major Ports, boasts a rich history and strategic positioning along the Bay of Bengal. Established under the visionary leadership of the late Biju Patnaik, then Chief Minister of Odisha, and inaugurated by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962, it stands as a testament to the nation’s maritime prowess.
Situated 210 nautical miles south of Kolkata and 260 nautical miles north of Visakhapatnam, Paradip holds the distinction of being the only Major Port in the state of Odisha. Declared the Eighth Major Port of India in 1966, it marked a significant milestone as the first major port commissioned on the East Coast post-independence.
Administered by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Paradip operates as an autonomous body under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963. Governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Government of India, the port plays a crucial role in the economic landscape of the eastern coast.
In recent years, Paradip has undergone substantial transformation under the Sagarmala program, with completed projects valued at Rs 3,000 crore. Ongoing initiatives, totaling another Rs 3,000 crore and slated for completion by 2025, are set to catapult the port’s capacity to a staggering 300 million tons. These endeavors align with the national master plan for multi-modal connectivity, Gati Shakti, expediting road, railway, and water connectivity projects. The Sagarmala program has invested heavily in developing infrastructure in Paradip, such as new berths, dredging, and channel widening. This has enabled the port to increase its capacity significantly, making it a major hub for seaborne trade. Moreover, the Gati-Shakti program has further strengthened the port’s connectivity by providing access to rail, road, and water routes, allowing goods to be transported quickly and efficiently.
A groundbreaking development under Gati Shakti involves linking Paradip to national waterways, specifically, National Waterway No- 5 at Brahmani River and Mahanadi. This visionary move will integrate the port with the industrial and mining belts of Odisha, optimizing cargo transportation through waterways. As a result, this strategic move is expected to provide impetus to the state’s economic growth, while also reducing traffic congestion and pollution on the roads.
At the helm of Paradip Port Authority (PPA) is Shri P.L. Haranadh, a seasoned Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer with a rich background in rail transportation, freight operations, and traffic planning. Since assuming the role of Chairman in October 2021, Shri Haranadh has articulated an ambitious vision for PPA, aiming to elevate it to the status of the No.1 Major Port in the country. His strategy includes streamlining the operations, investing in infrastructure, and fostering strategic partnerships with stakeholders. He has already taken steps to make PPA more efficient, such as introducing new technology, expanding capacity, and creating a more inclusive environment.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, Shri Haranadh has sought sincere cooperation from all stakeholders, including employees, unions, customers, port users, stevedores, steamer agents, and government machinery. His focus on prioritizing the completion of upcoming projects, notably the Western Dock project, underscores his commitment to steering Paradip to new heights in cargo handling. By engaging all key stakeholders, Shri Haranadh is able to create an environment that encourages collaboration. His emphasis on completing key projects, like the Western Dock project, helps to ensure that Paradip remains competitive in the shipping industry, providing more job opportunities and economic growth.
With an illustrious career in the railways, Shri Haranadh’s experience as Sr. Divisional Operations Manager, Dy. Chief Operations Manager, and Chief Operations Manager (Marketing) add a wealth of knowledge to his leadership at PPA. As the port continues its transformative journey, Shri Haranadh’s expertise