The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
PARADIP, APRIL 2, 2025
Paradip Port has reaffirmed its dominance as India’s leading major port, securing the No. 1 cargo handling position for the second consecutive year. The port has also achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the 150 MMT mark, recording a total cargo throughput of 150.41 MMT in FY 2024-25. This remarkable feat comes despite significant market challenges, including a decline in iron ore export demand and fluctuations in coking coal trade.
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has also maintained its position as the top cargo handler among both major and non-major ports on the eastern coast of India. Strategic system improvements introduced during the year played a key role in driving growth. Coastal cargo handling accounted for 42.36 per cent of the total cargo volume, reaching 63.71 MMT, reflecting a 7.65 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth. This achievement cements PPA’s leadership in coastal shipping among Indian major ports. Additionally, containerized cargo volume witnessed an impressive 111 per cent surge, while flux volume grew by 32 per cent Y-o-Y.
The port also recorded its highest-ever rail traffic, handling 22,818 rakes — an increase of 5.32 per cent — with total rail-borne cargo reaching 81.01 MMT, the highest among all major Indian ports. Another milestone was the commencement of EXIM container traffic, with the port handling 12,711 TEUs in the last fiscal year. Furthermore, PPA retained its No. 1 ranking in berth productivity, achieving 34,283 MT per day per berth.
Among terminal operators at Paradip, Kalinga International Coal Terminal Pvt. Ltd. posted a 15.18 per cent Y-o-Y growth, while Paradip East Quay Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd. registered a 12.53 per cent rise, setting record cargo volumes at their respective terminals.
Looking ahead, Paradip Port’s expansion plans are progressing at a rapid pace. The 25 MMTPA Western Dock Project, being developed by M/s JPPL, is on track, with its first phase expected to be completed by 2026. Additionally, a new green hydrogen and ammonia export terminal is in the pipeline, reinforcing the port’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development.
PPA Chairman P. L. Haranadh lauded the collective efforts of exporters, importers, officers, staff, unions, PPP operators, stevedores, and shipping agents for their contributions to this landmark achievement. He also expressed his gratitude to Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, the Ministry of Railways, the Government of Odisha, and the Department of Customs for their unwavering support in Paradip Port’s journey to excellence.
