PARADIP, ODISHA – In a series of high-level strategic engagements, Shri P. L. Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority (PPA), met with the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha and the Chief Secretary to outline an ambitious and transformative roadmap for the state’s maritime sector. These engagements reaffirm Paradip Port’s position as India’s premier Major Port and highlight its critical role in advancing the national vision of Viksit Bharat.

Shri Haranadh called on the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, and apprised him of the ongoing and upcoming developmental initiatives being undertaken by Paradip Port Authority. The discussions focused on aligning port-led infrastructure growth with Odisha’s broader economic development objectives, while reinforcing PPA’s commitment to modernizing maritime infrastructure, enhancing logistics efficiency, and delivering sustainable socio-economic benefits to the region.

Subsequently, the Chairman met with the Chief Secretary of Odisha, Smt. Anu Garg, IAS, to present detailed plans for scaling Paradip Port’s overall handling capacity to 300 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT). The discussions highlighted a set of large-scale, strategic infrastructure projects that are expected to significantly strengthen Odisha’s maritime ecosystem and reinforce Paradip Port’s leadership among India’s Major Ports.

Among the key initiatives discussed was the development of the Bahuda Satellite Port, envisaged with an investment of ₹21,500 Crore. This project is designed to substantially enhance cargo handling capacity while easing congestion at the main port. Another major initiative is the proposed Shipbuilding Cluster at Kendrapara, with an investment of ₹24,700 Crore, aimed at positioning Odisha as a global hub for shipbuilding and ship repair activities. The project is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities and stimulate ancillary industrial growth in the region.

The roadmap also includes the development of the Puri Cruise Terminal, planned at an estimated cost of ₹500 Crore near the upcoming Shree Jagannath International Airport. Conceived to blend maritime heritage with tourism development, the terminal is expected to connect Puri with destinations such as Visakhapatnam, Digha, and the Andaman Islands. This initiative is poised to transform the coastal tourism circuit and add a new dimension to Odisha’s maritime and tourism landscape.

In addition, the Chairman outlined strategic measures focused on capacity scaling through digitized logistics, infrastructure debottlenecking, and operational efficiencies, aimed at consolidating Paradip Port’s position as the Number One Major Port in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri P. L. Haranadh said, “These initiatives represent a new chapter in Odisha’s maritime legacy. By investing in satellite ports, shipbuilding clusters, and cruise infrastructure, we are not merely expanding capacity but creating a robust maritime ecosystem that will drive economic growth and generate opportunities for future generations.