Viksit Bharat / Sarbananda Sonowal Inaugurates 7 Major Projects Worth Rs427.80 Cr at Paradip Port

Paradip, Aug 21: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Friday inaugurated seven major infrastructure projects worth Rs427.80 crore at Paradip Port in Odisha, marking a milestone in the port’s expansion with 18.5-metre deep-draft capability and the planting of its one-millionth tree.

Sonowal also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects worth Rs1,580.36 crore, aimed at achieving 100% berth mechanisation by 2030.

Infrastructure Push

The Rs427.80-crore package includes capital dredging to enable fully laden Capesize vessels, a new three-lane Atharbanki bridge, a sports hostel, façade upgrade of the administrative building, piped natural gas supply to residential quarters, and an advanced vessel traffic management system developed with IIT Madras.

Green Milestone

Sonowal planted Paradip Port’s one-millionth tree, underscoring the Authority’s intensified plantation drive since the 1999 Super Cyclone. Nearly one lakh trees have been planted annually over the past four years, reinforcing sustainability and biodiversity.

Mechanisation Drive

The three BOT-based projects include the 5 MTPA South Quay (Rs498.69 crore), 8 MTPA Multipurpose Berth (Rs630.67 crore), and 10 MTPA captive CQ-III (Rs451 crore). These are expected to reduce vessel turnaround time, improve cargo efficiency, and strengthen Paradip’s role as a maritime hub.
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Wider Impact

Sonowal said the expansion would act as a “growth multiplier for eastern India,” driving trade, logistics, industry, and employment. He added that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s maritime sector has entered an unprecedented phase of modernisation, anchoring the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

CSR Initiatives

PPA also highlighted skill-development programmes for Odisha’s youth and fishing communities, including placement-linked training at CEMS, Visakhapatnam, and sustainable fisheries initiatives with MPEDA.