The Business Bytes
PARADIP, JULY 27, 2024 (TBB BUREAU): In a landmark inaugural visit to the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Saturday, TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, was welcomed with a Guard of Honour by the CISF and PPA contingent at the Wet Basin. This visit marked the beginning of a dynamic engagement, during which Ramachandran conducted a thorough review of port operations, engaged with PPA Chairman PL Haranadh and department heads, and unveiled several ambitious projects aimed at transforming Paradip’s infrastructure.
Expressing admiration for PPA’s proactive measures to enhance the Ease of Doing Business, Ramachandran shared his optimism for the port’s future achievements. “I am confident that PPA will achieve new milestones in the years ahead,” he stated, emphasizing his belief in the port’s potential for remarkable growth.
During his visit, Ramachandran participated in PPA’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including providing financial aid to CIPET for skill development among Odisha’s educated youth.
The visit’s highlight was the inauguration and laying of foundation stones for several key projects to strengthen Paradip’s infrastructure. Ramachandran ceremonially commenced the construction of the Marine Museum, envisioned as a testament to the region’s rich maritime heritage. He also inaugurated the Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre at the newly constructed Annex building of Paradip Port Hospital, a vital facility costing Rs. 2.90 crore, designed to cater to trauma and burn victims in and around Paradip.
In line with the port’s commitment to sustainable development, Ramachandran laid the foundation stone for a Rs. 10.50 crore Water Treatment Plant. This significant project aims to enhance Paradip’s water infrastructure, ensuring a quality drinking water supply to the port township with a capacity to filter 16 million liters per day.
Ramachandran’s visit also included an intensive inspection of port operations, focusing on enhancing efficiency and productivity at strategic locations such as the Mechanized Coal Handling Plant and Twin Wagon Tipplers. His recommendations for system improvements are set to streamline operations and boost productivity across the board.
Ramachandran’s maiden visit to Paradip Port set the stage for transformative developments that promise to elevate Paradip as a hub of maritime excellence and socio-economic progress.
In a parallel event, B.V. Sathyavathy, wife of TK Ramachandran, participated as the Chief Guest in various women-oriented programs organized by the Paradip Saksharata Samiti, highlighting the couple’s commitment to community and social welfare initiatives.
