The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PARADIP, JANUARY 26, 2025
Addressing the 76th Republic Day celebrations at Paradip Port Authority (PPA) here on Sunday, Chairman PL Haranadh emphasized India’s remarkable trajectory toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He highlighted Paradip Port’s critical role in this growth, saying, “Today, Paradip Port is the No. 1 Major Port in India in terms of rated capacity, cargo handling, and berth productivity, while offering services at the most competitive tariffs.”
The Republic Day celebrations began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the PPA Chairman, followed by his comprehensive address. He outlined Paradip Port’s transformation into a world-class Mega Port, with a projected capacity of over 500 MTPA by 2047 under the Maritime India Vision 2030. By 2030, the Port aims to commission multiple new berths, achieve more than 80 percent mechanization, and complete the Western Dock project with 25 MMTPA capacity well ahead of its 2028 deadline. This will enable the port to handle Cape vessels, significantly reducing logistics costs for customers.
In line with sustainability goals, Haranadh announced that Paradip Port will develop as a Green Port, powered by renewable energy. A 10 MW solar power plant is set to become operational by the next financial year, and a hydrogen berth near the South Breakwater is planned as part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Port has also taken steps to enhance environmental protection, including the addition of dry fog/mist cannons, new sweeping machines, and afforestation initiatives, which have led to the creation of an urban forest.
Employee welfare was another focus of Haranadh’s address. PPA has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sri Sri University for Ayurvedic healthcare and is building a new reservoir and water treatment plant to address water scarcity in the township. Health check-ups for all employees and contractual workers have been completed, and mandatory safety training will soon be introduced to foster a safer workplace environment.
PPA also announced significant enhancements in employee benefits. These include increases in daily allowances for contractual workers, upgrades in group insurance policies, and the settlement of wage revisions with arrears ranging from ₹1,50,000 to ₹4,50,000 per employee. To recognize the efforts of all stakeholders in making Paradip Port the top Major Port in India, every employee and worker will receive a memento as a token of appreciation.
The Republic Day celebrations concluded with various cultural and sporting events, including inter-school dance competitions, a poets’ meet, and an exhibition cricket match. Haranadh presented awards to winners of competitions and to employees who excelled in their respective fields. The CISF unit captivated the audience with a spectacular dog show and fire drill, reflecting the Port’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of its operations.
