Paradip Port To Invest Rs 2,500 Crore In Berth Mechanisation, Aims For Full Automation By 2030

Paradip Port is set to embark on a significant development initiative, including the construction of three new berths, the mechanisation of four existing ones, and the establishment of a dedicated berth for green hydrogen.

This strategy aligns with the port's goal to become fully mechanised by 2030, according to official sources. Currently handling 289 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), Paradip Port aims to exceed 400 MTPA by 2030 and reach 500 MTPA by 2047.

Paradip Port Authority, the state-owned entity managing Paradip Port in Odisha, has emerged as India's largest major port in terms of cargo volumes, surpassing the Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat.

The mechanisation of berths is expected to require an investment of over Rs 2,500 crore, which officials say will enhance operational efficiency and reduce handling times, ultimately boosting productivity.

Paradip Port has already signed agreements with four investors committed to establishing green hydrogen and green ammonia plants in the surrounding area, with a total investment of Rs 50,800 crore. This initiative marks a significant step toward sustainable practices in port operations and aligns with broader environmental goals.

Paradip Port is strategically located near the mineral-rich hinterland, has historically been a crucial hub for trade and commerce. Established as the first major port on India's eastern coast post-independence, Paradip Port plays a pivotal role in serving a vast hinterland spanning across multiple states.

Under the visionary leadership of Biju Patnaik, the port was conceptualised and later inaugurated by Late Peter Stambolic, the then Prime Minister of Yugoslavia. Over the years, Paradip Port has steadily evolved into a key player in India's maritime landscape.