Interview Times 
FEATURE: In the ever-evolving narrative of India’s maritime dominance, Shri P.L. Haranadh’s name emerges as a beacon of transformation and vision. An Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer of the 1994 batch, Shri Haranadh brings a blend of sharp intellect, unparalleled experience, and groundbreaking strategies to the fore. Since stepping into the role of Chairman at Paradip Port Trust (PPT), he has steered the port to unprecedented heights, solidifying its status as a pivotal force in India’s maritime sector. With a legacy shaped by innovation and an eye on the future, Shri Haranadh is redefining what it means to lead in the world of global trade.
Hailing from Andhra Pradesh, Shri Haranadh’s academic credentials include an MSc and Ph.D. from the esteemed Indian Agricultural Research Institute in Pusa, New Delhi. This rigorous academic foundation paved the way for a distinguished career spanning 27 years—22 of which were dedicated to Indian Railways and five years in the Ministry of Shipping. Shri Haranadh is no stranger to transformative leadership, with a rich tapestry of experiences in freight operations, business development, and traffic planning.
Prior to his role at PPT, Shri Haranadh served as Deputy Chairman of Visakhapatnam Port (2015-2020), where his innovative marketing solutions and logistics strategies ushered the port into the elite top three among major ports in India. His efforts included attracting cargo such as coal and containers, leaving a legacy of growth and ingenuity.
Since assuming his role as Chairman of PPT, Shri Haranadh has made it his mission to elevate the port to the No. 1 position among major ports in India. With Paradip’s strategic location along the Bay of Bengal, Shri Haranadh recognizes its potential as a vital transit point connecting India with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. In FY 2023-24, Paradip Port achieved historic milestones, including surpassing Deendayal Port in Kandla, Gujarat, to become India’s highest cargo-handling major port, recording an impressive cargo throughput of 145.38 million metric tonnes (MMT), reflecting a 7.4% growth over the previous year. Additionally, the port attained the highest coastal shipping traffic of 59.19 MMT, marking Paradip Port as the “Coastal Cargo Hub” of India.
Under his leadership, PPT has also garnered prestigious awards such as the “Sagar Shrestha Samman 2023,” a testament to its exceptional performance.
Shri Haranadh’s forward-thinking strategies have propelled the port into the future. The port boasts a capacity of 289 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), with ambitious projects like the 25 MTPA Western Dock Project poised to elevate this capacity beyond 300 MTPA. Paradip Port’s robust infrastructure upgrades include new berths, channel deepening, and enhanced cargo-handling capabilities. By embracing mechanized cargo handling, refined navigation systems, and efficient standard operating procedures, Paradip has achieved unparalleled berth productivity and operational efficiency. As a torchbearer of sustainability, Paradip Port is pioneering green initiatives, such as renewable energy adoption and efficient waste management systems. The port is also on track to host a Green Hydrogen Hub, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly practices.
In his illustrious career, Shri Haranadh’s contributions have been widely recognized. From receiving National Awards for outstanding management in 2002 and 2005 to driving transformational projects in railways and ports, his journey is marked by excellence. As Sr. Divisional Operations Manager in Raipur and Chakradharpur, Deputy Chief Operations Manager in South Eastern and South Central Railways, and Chief Freight Transportation Manager at East Coast Railway, his roles showcased his knack for achieving impactful outcomes.
With Shri Haranadh at the helm, Paradip Port is on a trajectory to redefine maritime benchmarks. By 2047, as part of India’s Amrit Kaal vision, the port aims to achieve a staggering 500 MTPA capacity. Plans include the expansion of existing berths and construction of new ones, along with the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to solidify its global maritime stature. Shri Haranadh’s call for collaboration with stakeholders—including employees, unions, customers, and government machinery—underscores his inclusive approach to progress.
Shri P.L. Haranadh’s leadership represents a blend of strategic foresight, operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As Paradip Port scales new heights, it stands as a beacon of India’s maritime aspirations, embodying the spirit of innovation and progress under the guidance of an extraordinary changemaker. Shri Haranadh’s journey is not just about navigating vessels; it’s about navigating the future of India’s maritime legacy.
