Dikhyaa Mohanty 
With the recent record-breaking performance of clocking an astonishing 145.38 MMT cargo throughput in FY 2023–24, Paradip Port Authority’s (PPA) incredible journey has achieved new heights and it has surpassed Deendayal Port, Kandla to emerge as the highest cargo handling major port of the country. In its 56-year history, PPA has eclipsed earlier records held by Deendayal Port for the first time. According to an official press statement from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Paradip Port has also seen an increase in traffic of 10.02 million metric tonnes (7.4%) year over year.
The Port recorded its greatest ever coastal shipping traffic for the fiscal year, amounting to 59.19 million metric tonnes. This represents an increase of 0.76 million metric tonnes, or 1.30%, over the previous year. 43.97 million metric tonnes of thermal coal were shipped along the coast last year, an increase of 4.02% in cargo handling. As a result, the Paradip Port is becoming the nation’s center for coastal shipping.
By increasing its berth productivity to 33014 MT from 31050 MT in the previous fiscal year, Paradip Port was able to record a rise of 6.33%. Out of all the ports in the nation, Paradip Port has the highest berth productivity. With 21,665 rakes handled by the Port this fiscal year, it represents a 7.65% increase over the previous fiscal year. With 2710 ships handled by the port this fiscal year, it represents a 13.82% increase over the previous fiscal year.
