11 Mar 2026
The 55th National Safety Week, observed by Paradip Port Authority (PPA) from March 4 to March 11 under the theme “Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety,” concluded this evening with a valedictory function held at the Officers’ Club.
Shri Brijendra Kumar, Addl. Assistant Director, Dock Safety, attended the function as the Chief Guest. In his address, he urged all stakeholders to focus on preventing near-miss incidents, analyze their causes, and take timely preventive measures to avoid accidents. He emphasized that strict adherence to safety norms is essential for ensuring both workplace safety and improved productivity. He also highlighted that safety awareness should not be limited to a week-long observance but must remain a continuous practice throughout the year.
Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor (Traffic), Shri H.S. Rout, Chief Engineer, and Shri A.K. Sahu, FA & CAO attended the programme as Guests of Honour. Officials of PPA and representatives from various stakeholders also participated in the event.
Throughout the week, several awareness activities and competitions were organized to promote a strong safety culture across the port community. The Safety Rath and Safety Rally were among the major highlights of the celebrations, spreading awareness about workplace safety among employees, workers, and port users.
During the valedictory function, prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions including Safety Essay, Debate, and Poster competitions organized as part of the Safety Week observance.
Earlier, Shri Susil Chandra Nahak, Chief Mechanical Engineer, delivered the welcome address and emphasized that safety must be practiced as a collective responsibility and team effort. Shri Abhishek Kumar Parida, Safety Officer, Paradip Port Authority, proposed the vote of thanks.
Paradip Port Authority reiterated its commitment to strengthening safety standards across all operations. As one of India’s leading ports handling over 150 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, PPA continues to focus on building a “Safety First” culture supported by modern safety practices, training programmes, and technology-driven monitoring systems.
With integrated efforts in technology, training, health, and awareness, Paradip Port Authority aims to maintain high standards of safety while continuing its role as a key driver of India’s maritime trade and logistics sector.
Paradip Port Authority is deeply committed to maintaining high standards of environmental protection, employee health, and operational safety. The Port follows national and international EHS norms and ensures compliance through continuous monitoring and audits.
The Port’s EHS vision aims for “Zero Harm – to People, Property, and the Environment”, ensuring safe, sustainable, and responsible growth.
Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE (1996 batch), Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, has assumed the additional charge of Chairman, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
Shri Purohit is a senior officer of the Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers with extensive experience in administration, engineering, infrastructure development, policy formulation and public-sector management.
Prior to his present assignment, he served as Joint Secretary, Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India, where he was associated with policy formulation and sectoral development. During his career, he has also held key positions in Indian Railways, the Ministry of Power and the Government of Odisha, gaining wide experience in infrastructure development, technology-driven initiatives and public administration.
With his rich experience in port management, infrastructure development, public policy and sustainable development, Shri Purohit will provide strategic leadership to Paradip Port Authority while continuing his responsibilities as Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.
Under his additional charge, the focus will be on further strengthening Paradip Port’s infrastructure and connectivity, enhancing operational efficiency, modernising cargo-handling facilities and advancing green and sustainable port initiatives.
Paradip Port Authority looks forward to benefiting from Shri Purohit’s experience and leadership in further strengthening the Port’s capabilities and contributing to the growth of India’s maritime sector and the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Shri T. Venu Gopal, former Secretary of Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA), assumed charge as the Deputy Chairman of Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Monday i.e on 17.11.2025.
Shri Gopal began his career at Visakhapatnam Port in 1995 as Assistant Personnel Officer (Class-I) and went on to serve in multiple key roles across several departments. In 2019, he was posted as Secretary, Deendayal (Kandla) Port Authority. Prior to this, he was In-Charge Secretary at Visakhapatnam Port Authority from 2014 to 2018. In 2020, he was transferred back to Visakhapatnam Port Authority as Secretary. He also discharged additional responsibilities as Traffic Manager (TM) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), contributing to improved operational performance.
During his tenure as Secretary at VPA, Shri Gopal played a pivotal role in planning and executing several notable initiatives and events, including:
Major events such as BIMSTEC, Indian Maritime Conclaves, the inauguration of the International Cruise Terminal, and the handling of international cruise vessels were held during his tenure.
He was instrumental in securing first place in Swachhata and Safety initiatives and in creating a healthy and productive ecosystem with all stakeholders. He has been a member of various committees constituted by Indian Ports Association (IPA) and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
Shri R. N. Abanikant Parida, IRPS (2011) (Date of Birth: 15.04.1982), assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer on 03.12.2025. He is an officer of the Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS), 2011 batch.
A native of Jagatsinghpur District, Odisha, Shri Parida holds a B.Sc. in Nautical Science from T. S. Chanakya, University of Mumbai. He began his professional career as a Merchant Navy Officer, gaining valuable exposure to marine and shipping operations.
With an overall professional experience of 18 years, Shri Parida has served 04 years in the Merchant Navy and about 14 years in the Indian Railways under the Ministry of Railways. His diverse background provides him with a unique blend of operational, administrative, and human resource expertise.
During his distinguished career in the Indian Railways, Shri Parida has worked in various capacities across Khurda Road, Sambalpur, and Visakhapatnam (earlier Waltair) Divisions. He has extensive experience in Human Resource Management, Disciplinary Proceedings, and Vigilance-related matters, in addition to specialized expertise in Marine Operations, particularly shipping movements.
Prior to his present assignment, Shri Parida was serving as Senior Divisional Personnel Officer, Khurda Division, East Coast Railway. He is widely regarded for his sound knowledge of disciplinary and conduct rules and is frequently invited by Government and PSU organizations as a Guest Faculty to impart training on Disciplinary Proceedings.
Shri Parida is known for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment to institutional strengthening through transparency and adherence to rules.
Shri Krishna Bapi Raju G has assumed charge as Secretary, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), bringing with him over three decades of rich experience in legal and administrative roles across major public sector organisations, particularly in India’s port sector.
An advocate enrolled in September 1995 in the State of Andhra Pradesh, he practiced law for eight years before joining public service. In 2003, he was appointed as Legal Officer at the Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA). He later joined Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) as Law Officer on February 27, 2009, where his professional competence led to his elevation as Senior Law Officer.
In 2017, Shri Bapi Raju was promoted as Deputy Chief Law Officer at Paradip Port Authority. During this period, he was also entrusted with additional charge at VPA, making him the only officer in the Major Port sector in the said cadre to serve two ports simultaneously. Later upon his promotion as Senior Deputy Secretary, he was transferred to New Mangalore Port
Capt. A.C. Sahoo has joined PPA as Pilot on 05.10.2005 and promoted to the post of Harbour Master on 10.07.2018. Confirmed as Deputy Conservator, Paradip Port Authority on 26.10.2021.
He graduated from Utkal University in Physics in the year 1991. Joined Shipping Corporation of India in 1993 as Trainee Nautical Watch Keeping Officer. Cleared his Masters Foreign Going Vessels in 2002. He continued sailing in Indian and Foreign Flag Ships till 2005 before joining Paradip Port Authoroty as Marine Pilot.
Sri Susil Chandra Nahak is a Mechanical Engineer served about 31 years of service out of which more than 3 years as part time lecturer in State Govt. Textile Engineering college and worked as senior engineer in IMFA group of company and about 27 years in Major Port of India in different capacities. He has got wide experience in teaching mechanical engineering O&M of earth moving equipment, O&M of mechanical utility equipment, port mechanical as well as electrical systems, infrastructure development, maintenance engineering and project execution. His career reflects consistent growth and leadership in the department of Electrical & Mechanical in Port operations.
He studied B. Tech in Mechanical Engineering from College of Engineering & Technology, Bhubaneswar – 1994 batch under OUAT university. He joined Paradip Port Authority (PPA) as Assistant Engineer (Mech.) on 14/09/1998. Meanwhile, he got promoted & posted as Dy. Chief Mechanical Engineer at Deendayal Port Authority (erstwhile KPA)) in 2019. There he again got promoted to the post of Chief Mechanical Engineer in 2023. During his tenure as CME, DPA, he visited Spain to attend Factory Acceptance Test of Marine Gangway prior to installation at Deendayal Port.
Currently serving Chief Mechanical Engineer at Paradip Port Authority, Sri Nahak is responsible for planning, execution & monitoring of Electrical & Mechanical works and contracts, maintenance & efficiency improvement of port handling equipment, modernization of Port machinery and infrastructure, technical guidance to the divisions under Electrical and Mechanical Department, and ensuring compliance with safety, efficiency & sustainability standards. Besides his assignment as CME,PPA he has been entrusted the responsibility of Working President of Officers’ Club, PPA and as President of Paradip Golf Club, Paradip.
Dr. Bibhuti Bhusan Das is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) of Paradip Port Authority (PPA). Appointed as CMO on May 3, 2023, following a distinguished tenure as Senior Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Das directs healthcare operations, clinical infrastructure, and occupational health strategies for the port’s workforce and surrounding communities.
With over 24 years of institutional healthcare experience, his career at PPA began in December 1999 following a year in private clinical practice. An alumnus of Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH), Dr. Das holds postgraduate credentials in Radio-diagnosis from Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati Medical College & Hospital, Berhampur (MKCG MCH).
Dr. Das operates on the philosophy that seamlessly integrates administrative efficiency, strict medical ethics, and compassionate, modern clinical delivery to optimize public sector healthcare ecosystems.
Shri Ashoka Kumar Sahu has assumed charge as Financial Adviser & Chief Accounts Officer (FA&CAO) of Paradip Port Authority on 07th August 2025.
Shri Sahu began his professional journey in 2005 with Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) as a Junior Accounts Officer. He later joined Paradip Port Authority, where he held key positions as Accounts Officer Grade-I and Senior Accounts Officer between 2005 and 2016.
In 2016, he was promoted to the post of Senior Deputy Chief Accounts Officer and served at New Mangalore Port Authority until 2019. He was subsequently posted in the same capacity at Paradip Port Authority from 2019 to 2021. In 2021, he was elevated to the position of FA&CAO at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, where he contributed significantly until his current posting.
An accomplished finance professional, Shri Sahu is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and holds a Master’s degree in Commerce from Utkal University. He brings with him over 20 years of rich experience in the Energy and Port sectors, with expertise in Financial Planning, Budgeting, Cost Control, and Project Finance.
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!
We value your opinion and would love to hear from you!