Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates Rs 428 cr projects at Paradip Port, signs Rs 1,580 cr mechanisation pacts

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven major infrastructure projects worth Rs 427.80 crore at the Paradip Port Authority (PPA), marking the port’s 18.5-metre deep-draft capability and the planting of its one-millionth tree.

He also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects worth Rs 1,580.36 crore aimed at further strengthening Paradip’s capacity, efficiency and cargo-handling capabilities.

The projects span navigation, connectivity, safety, sustainability, residential infrastructure and community development. The mechanisation projects are aimed at improving cargo handling and reducing vessel turnaround time.


Sonowal was joined by Odisha Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Sampad Chandra Swain; Jagatsinghpur MP Bibhu Prasad Tarai; Paradip Port Authority Chairman P. L. Haranadh, IRTS; Deputy Chairman T. Venu Gopal; senior officials, stakeholders and members of the Paradip Port community.

Sonowal said the investments would strengthen Paradip’s position as a major maritime gateway and create wider economic opportunities across the eastern region.

“The expansion of Paradip Port's capacity is not only about strengthening one port; it is about creating a growth multiplier for eastern India. With deeper drafts, modern cargo-handling infrastructure, improved connectivity and greater mechanisation, Paradip is well positioned to drive trade, logistics, industry and employment across the region and contribute to India's emergence as a globally competitive maritime economy,” Sarbananda Sonowal said.

Paradip marks one-millionth tree milestone

The green milestone builds on plantation drives initiated after the 1999 Super Cyclone, with the Authority intensifying plantation activities over the past four years.

PPA said nearly one lakh trees had been planted annually during this period, with employees, stakeholders and local communities contributing to the effort. The port said the initiative aims to expand green cover, support biodiversity and strengthen environmental sustainability.

Rs 1,580 crore mechanisation projects

PPA also signed concession agreements for three projects with a combined investment of Rs 1,580.36 crore as part of its plan to achieve 100% berth mechanisation by 2030, compared with the current level of 80%.

The projects are expected to support faster, safer and cleaner cargo handling while reducing vessel turnaround times and logistics costs.

The agreements cover the 5 MTPA South Quay mechanisation project, awarded to Yogayatan Paradip SQB Terminal Pvt. Ltd. at an estimated investment of Rs 498.69 crore on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis.

The second is the 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth mechanisation project, awarded to Kalinga Bulk Terminal Paradip Pvt. Ltd. for Rs 630.67 crore, also on a BOT basis.

The third is the 10 MTPA captive CQ-III mechanisation project, awarded to M/s AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt. Ltd. at an estimated investment of Rs 451 crore.

Sonowal said the development of Paradip was part of the wider transformation underway in India’s maritime sector.

“Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India has embarked on an unprecedented phase of maritime modernisation. Over the past 12 years, we have fundamentally strengthened our ports, waterways, shipping and maritime capabilities, making the sector a powerful engine of growth and the anchor of an Atmanirbhar Bharat and our journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”