Record Cargo Performance Sets National Benchmark
Paradip Port achieved its highest-ever cargo handling of 150.41 million metric tonnes during the financial year 2024–25, making it the top-performing major port in India. This milestone highlights the port’s operational efficiency, modern infrastructure, and its growing importance in facilitating domestic and international trade.
With a rated capacity of 289 million tonnes per annum, Paradip Port continues to deliver industry-leading productivity. The port has also reported a provisional net surplus of ₹1,860 crore, demonstrating its strong financial health. Notably, it maintains some of the lowest vessel and cargo handling charges among India’s major ports, reinforcing its competitive advantage.
The port’s performance reflects its robust operational systems and effective management practices. These achievements further strengthen its role as a key maritime hub supporting India’s economic expansion.
Strategic Expansion Under Paradip Port 2.0 Vision
The Paradip Port 2.0 initiative aims to transform the port into a mega maritime gateway with capacity expansion beyond 500 million tonnes per annum. This vision includes deepening the Western Dock to accommodate larger vessels and developing dedicated infrastructure to support emerging industries such as green hydrogen.
The proposed green hydrogen berth is particularly significant, as India accelerates its transition toward clean energy. By facilitating export and handling of green hydrogen, Paradip Port is positioning itself at the forefront of sustainable maritime logistics and future energy supply chains.
These developments align with India’s broader maritime modernization efforts and reflect the growing importance of ports in strengthening the national logistics ecosystem.
Supporting Odisha’s Long-Term Economic Vision
Odisha has outlined an ambitious roadmap to achieve a $500 billion economy by 2036 and scale up to $1.5 trillion by 2047. Port-led development, export growth, and industrial expansion are central to this strategy. Paradip Port’s continued growth and modernization are expected to serve as a critical driver in achieving these targets.
The state’s long coastline offers a natural advantage for maritime trade, enabling efficient movement of goods and attracting investments across multiple sectors. Paradip’s expansion strengthens Odisha’s ability to leverage this geographical strength to enhance trade competitiveness and industrial development.
Shipbuilding, Green Energy and New Maritime Projects
Paradip Port’s expansion strategy extends beyond cargo handling to include major new maritime projects. These include the proposed Bahuda Port in Ganjam district with a capacity of 150 million tonnes per annum and the creation of a large shipbuilding and ship repair cluster in Kendrapara district.
The shipbuilding cluster, with an estimated capacity of 1.2 million gross tonnage, is expected to strengthen India’s shipbuilding capabilities while generating employment and attracting investments. These projects will be implemented through a collaborative framework involving the state government and Paradip Port Authority.
Plans are also underway to develop a cruise terminal at Puri, which could enhance tourism and position Odisha as a major destination for cruise tourism. Together, these initiatives highlight the state’s commitment to building a diversified maritime economy.
Integrated Industrial Growth Around the Port
The port’s expansion is closely linked with the development of surrounding industrial ecosystems. Growth in petrochemicals, plastics, steel, and green hydrogen production is being supported by dedicated infrastructure, industrial townships, and improved urban facilities.
Strategic industrial zones, including the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region and other industrial clusters, are benefiting from improved port connectivity. This integrated approach ensures that industrial growth and maritime expansion reinforce each other.
The availability of planned infrastructure, efficient logistics, and supportive governance policies further enhances Paradip’s attractiveness as an industrial and investment destination.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Leadership
Paradip Port’s transformation reflects India’s broader push to modernize its maritime infrastructure and boost global trade competitiveness. The port’s operational excellence, financial performance, and strategic expansion demonstrate its ability to meet future trade demands.
By investing in modern infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, and integrated industrial development, Paradip Port is evolving into a world-class maritime hub. Its continued growth will support job creation, economic diversification, and enhanced trade connectivity.
As Odisha advances toward its long-term economic goals, Paradip Port stands as a symbol of the state’s rising maritime strength and its role in shaping India’s global trade future.
