PPA is enabled to handle Cape Size vessels of LOA 300 mtrs, Beam 48 mtrs, DWT of 1,18,000 with a maximum draft of 14.5 mtrs
PPA's provisional ID No. for the purpose of GST is - 21AAALP0055A1ZX. The GST will be applicable with effect from 01/07/2017
Simplified process of submission of Life Certificate by Pensioners & Family Pensioners for the Year 2021-22.
All donations towards the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) are notified for 100% deduction from taxable income under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) hosted its prestigious Annual Awards Nite 2025 & Stakeholders’ meet, a dazzling event on 2nd May evening, dedicated to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievement and contributions various stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in the Port’s success over the past fiscal year. The event held at the Mayfair Convention in Bhubaneswar brought together key figures from the maritime sector including Exporters, importers, Officers, Staff unions, PPP Operators, Stevedores, Shipping agents, Railways, Customs and State Govt officials.
In his address, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority, Shri P.L. Haranadh, lauded the collective efforts and dedication of the entire Paradip Port fraternity. He emphasize the port’s remarkable performance, highlighting its continued reign as the No.1 Cargo Handling Port among Indian Major ports for the 2nd consecutive year. He proudly announced that Paradip Port had entered the exclusive 150 MMT Clock, achieving an impressive 150.41 MMT in Cargo throughput for the FY 2024-25. Despite facing market headwinds, including a decline in export demand for Iron Ore and Coking coal, PPA showcased its resilience and emerged as the top performer among all major and non-major ports on India’s eastern coast.
Looking ahead, the Chairman outlined key projects that will expand the port’s capacity and capabilities, including the Western Dock project, which will enable the port to handle fully laden cape vessels by 2026, pushing its capacity beyond 300 million metric tonnes. Paradip Port also aims to achieve 100% berth mechanization by 2030, further solidifying its leadership in Port infrastructure. In a visionary move towards sustainability, the port is set to become a national hub for green hydrogen and ammonia with a dedicated berth, aligning with India’s green energy ambitions.
Shri Haranadh reiterated PPA’s commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and collaborative growth. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders, officers, staff, unions, and partners for their unwavering support and emphasize the port’s pivotal role in driving, economic growth in the region and the nation.
The Fire Safety Awareness Week, observed across Paradip Port with the aim of enhancing public understanding and preparedness for fire-related emergencies, has concluded successfully. Throughout the week, starting on April 14th, 2025, the Paradip Fire Department, in collaboration with local organizations and community volunteers, conducted a series of impactful initiatives to educate residents, businesses, and institutions on crucial fire safety measures.
This year’s campaign focused on the theme "Unite, to ignite a fire safe India", emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and community involvement in preventing fires and ensuring swift and safe responses when they occur.
Key highlights of the Fire Safety Awareness Week included:
* Educational Workshops and Seminars
* Fire Safety Drills and Demonstrations
* Public Awareness Campaigns
* Community Engagement Programs
* Special Focus on Industrial Safety
The Paradip Fire Department expressed its gratitude to all the participating organizations, volunteers, and the community members for their enthusiastic involvement in making the Fire Safety Awareness Week a resounding success. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents through continuous awareness programs and efficient emergency response services.
At the valedictory function held at Gate No.-4, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, PPA said, "Fire safety is not just the responsibility of the fire department; it requires the active participation of every individual. The knowledge and preparedness gained during this week will undoubtedly contribute to making Paradip a safer place for everyone. Shri Sanat Kumar Patel, Commandant, CISF gave the welcome address. The Asst. Commandant, CISF, Shri Akash Jaiswal offered the vote of thanks. The winners of various competitions such as school children, housewives, PPA employees, Port beneficiaries and general public, conducted during the Fire Service Week, were awarded with the prize for their active participation and spreading the word of fire safety across the citizens. The Fire rescue and Disaster Management demonstrations were also conducted by the CISF Department.
62nd National Maritime Day was celebrated at PPA in the Wet Basin of the PPA’s Marine Site office, where, Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA graced the occasion as Chief Guest. At the meeting, Shri Haranadh spoke at length about the innovative & business strategy of Team Paradip, which enabled PPA to achieve No. 1 position among Indian Major Ports. Though the Port is susceptible to market conditions, unlike others, the entire martime sector is looking towards PPA as a role model. Highlighting green shipping initiative of PPA, he said that for green tug implementation, the tender will be ready very soon. Implementation of shore to ship electricity supply at PPA is progressing well. The upcoming Signal station with appealing aesthetic & state of the art technology for vessel traffic management system will immensely contribute to the growth of PPA.
Guest of Honour, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA said that the continuity in world trade & shipping movement across oceans brings development all around the world. National Maritime Day celebrations also reminds us that the future belongs to the youth. It inspires the young seafarers to be experience maritime professionals under the guidance of their seniors. Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Traffic, Capt. A.C. Sahoo, Dy. Conservator, PPA also spoke on the occasion.
Capt. Atulya Kumar Mohapatra, Ex-Dy. Conservator, PPA was felicitated on the occasion for his tireless service and stellar contribution to the Indian Maritime Industry. Coinciding with the observations of National Maritime Day competitions like swimming, heaving line throw and rope climbing were held. Winners of the different competitions were also awarded on the occasion. Capt. Indranil Mukherjee, Harbour Master gave the welcome speech and Er. Bablu Sikdar, Sr. Marine Engineer offered Vote of Thanks.
Paradip Port retained its No. 1 Cargo Handling Status among Indian Major Ports and also joined the exclusive 150 MMT club by registering 150.41 MMT cargo throughput in FY 2024-25. In spite of huge market challenges like drop in export Iron Ore demand and coking coa. PPA also retained No. 1 position in cargo handling among all ports including major and non-major ports on the eastern coast of India.
Various system improvement measures, introduced by the Port during this year, fuelled growth. Coastal cargo handling constitutes around 42.36% of total cargo volume handled at the Port and it has shown 7.65% growth on Y-o-Y basis reaching 63.71 MMT, which makes PPA, No. 1 among Indian Major Ports in coastal shipping. Similarly, containerised cargo volume has grown by 111% and Flux volume has surged by 32% Y-o-Y in the current fiscal.
Paradip Port handled the highest volume of rail traffic in its history, during last fiscal. The no. of Rakes handled by PPA has grown by 5.32% reaching significant 22,818 mark and the total rail-borne traffic has surged by 3.21% reaching 81.01 MMT, which is the highest among Indian Major Ports. Paradip Port created history with the inception of EXIM Container Traffic by clocking 12,711 TEUs in last fiscal. PPA also retained the No.1status for berth productivity with of 34,283 MTs per day per berth.
Among the PPA Terminal operators, the Kalinga International Coal Terminal Pvt. Ltd. recorded 15.18% growth Y-o-Y & Paradip East Quay Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd. registered 12.53% growth, registering highest ever cargo volume at their respective terminals.
Among the future expansion plans, the construction of the 25 MMTPA Western Dock Project by M/s JPPL is progressing rapidly, with the first phase scheduled for completion by 2026. A new green hydrogen or ammonia export terminal is also in the pipeline.
Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman has congratulated the entire team comprising of Exporters & Importers, Officers, Staff Unions, PPP Operators, Stevedores, Shipping Agents etc. whose combined effort has resulted in this stupendous achievement. He has expressed his sincere gratitude to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji, Hon’ble Union Minister of MoPSW & Shri Shantanu Thakur Ji, Hon’ble Union MoS of MoPSW for their able leadership and sincere guidance, which enabled PPA to record achievement. Shri Haraandh also thanked the Ministry of Railways, the Govt. of Odisha & Department of Customs, which have supported to the Port’s success.
PPA today proudly celebrated International Women's Day, honoring the invaluable contributions of women across all departments and highlighting the port's commitment to gender equality and empowerment. Dy. Chairman, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta attended the program as Chief Guest & addressing the gathering, he emphasized the critical role women play in the port's operations, and overall well-being of the society. Capt. A.C. Sahoo, Secretary & Coordinator, Working Women’s Cell, PPA, Smt. Swarnamayee Tripathy, Sr. Research Fellow, ICSSR & Gender Expert, Smt. Tapasi Praharaj, social activist were Guests of Honour. The theme of today's event - "For ALL women and girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment", underscored the port's dedication to creat a diverse and inclusive workplace where women can thrive. Smt. Susmita Samal, Chairperson, Working Women Cell, PPA gave the welcome speech & Smt. Supriti Barik, H.A. offered vote of thanks. Dy. Chairman, PPA also felicitated women officers and employees of PPA who have excelled in their respective fields in the current fiscal.
A Multi-Agency Coordination Mock Drill was conducted today, 17.03.2025, at 1100 hrs, at the Main Fire Station of Paradip Port, in collaboration with the 3rd Battalion, NDRF, Mundali. This drill holds significant importance in enhancing post-cyclone response capabilities and refining Team PPA’s preparedness for any eventuality.
The exercise covered various emergency scenarios, including building collapse, road blockage, casualty rescue, tank fire fighting, search and rope rescue operations, and emergency victim management. The drill also involved hospital services, mutual aid partners, key stakeholders, local police & IB ensuring a holistic approach to disaster response.
Distinguished attendees and observers included the Harbour Master, Sr. Marine Engineer, Addl. Assistant Director, Dock Safety, along with representatives from IOCL Pipeline, IOCL Refinery, IFFCO, PPL, JSW, IOCL Terminal, BPCL Terminal, HPCL Terminal, KICT, PICT, CREW, and Adani Wilmar. Their respective response units actively participated in the on-site emergency Mock Drill, which was preceded by a tabletop exercise at the Main Fire Station on the same day.
During the tabletop session, NDRF Dy. Commandant Shri Pravin Chauhan briefed stakeholders on the importance of resource mapping in emergency preparedness. CISF Commandant Shri Akshat Patel emphasized the importance of gap analysis and commended the rope rescue and emergency management mechanisms demonstrated during the drill. In the end, Shri B.V. Durga Prasad, Dy Comdt CISF, appreciated the role of mutual aid partners in handling disasters in Paradip.
The event was successfully coordinated by Company Commander, Fire Wing, Shri Amaresh Kumar.
The CISF Coastal Cyclothon, an initiative to promote coastal security and environmental awareness, reached Paradip Port, Odisha, on March 11, 2025, marking a significant milestone in its 6,553 km journey along India’s coastline. The expedition, flagged off from Bakkhali Beach, West Bengal, has been drawing enthusiastic responses from local communities, officials, and security agencies as it moves southward.
The East Coast team, comprising 50 cyclists, including 8 women, is covering a total distance of 2,778 km, traversing through West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Their journey will conclude at the Swami Vivekananda Memorial in Kanyakumari on March 31, 2025. Along the way, they are engaging with fishermen, local youth, and industry representatives, spreading awareness about coastal safety and national security. Their journey has been a testament to determination and teamwork, reinforcing CISF’s commitment to protecting India’s shores.
During their onward journey towards Konark this morning, they were greeted with a grand reception by the local community, school students, and dignitaries. Chief Guest on the occasion, Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA flagged off the onward journey of East Coast Team from Paradip beach. Graced as Guests of Honour, Dr. Md Shik Abdulla, DIG/CISF NEZ-III Headquarters, Mundali, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA, Shri Sanjay Negi, DIG, Coast Guard, and Shri Smriti Ranjan Kar, Addl. SP, Paradip, today’s event witnessed Odissi dance by Paramjyoti Kala Kshetra, Bharat Natyam & patriotic song by ward of local CISF Unit, Dog show, Fire demo and attractive march-past by CISF Wing, PPA which enthralled the denizens of Port township, who have gathered to honor the cyclists and their mission. Addressing the gathering, officials emphasized the importance of coastal vigilance, environmental conservation, and community participation in strengthening national security.
The CISF Coastal Cyclothon, which was inaugurated on March 7, 2025, by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, aims to sensitize coastal communities and highlight the critical role of CISF in safeguarding India’s maritime infrastructure. With two teams riding from the western and eastern coasts, the expedition is traversing 11 states, covering vital coastal hubs and industrial zones.This rally welcomes civilian participation, both physically and virtually. The public is requested to visit www.cisfcyclothon.com for details, updates, and participationopportunities. This event aims to deepen ties between CISF and coastal communities,bolstering India’s maritime security and resilience.
As the team advances further into Odisha and beyond, their message remains clear: “Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat”—a secure coast ensures a prosperous India. The cyclothon is not only a physical endurance challenge but also a symbol of unity, resilience, and national pride, reinforcing the shared responsibility of coastal security and environmental sustainability.
"Safety & Well-being crucial for Viksit Bharat" as the theme, 54th National Safety Week is being observed by Paradip Port Authority came to an end last evening. In the valedictory function held at Officers’ Club, Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Traffic, graced the occasion as Chief Guest. He called upon all the stakeholders to avoid near miss cases, analyse the causes and take precaution to eliminate them. Accidents can be avoided if we follow safety norms properly. Honourary Guest Shri Somasekhar Bajaramath, Asst.Director, Dock safety stated that productivity will increase by incorporating safety norms. We shouldn’t sign off safety as the week concludes, but continue this throughout the year. Shri G. Edison, Traffic Manager was the Guest of Honour, who stressed upon that safety is the core value of PPA and being given Safety as the first priority than productivity.Sri H . S.Rout,Chief Engineer and Dr. B.B. Das, CMO shared the dias.PPA officials and various stakeholders joined the occasion. Safety Rath and Safety Rally have been the major highlights of the week long celebrations. Thereafter, the winners of various competitions like safety essay, debate and poster competitions organised on the occasion were awarded. Shri Susil Chandra Nahak, CME gave the welcome address and called upon all the stakeholders to make Safety as a teamwork. Shri Manipuspak Sethi, Dy. CME, PPA offered the vote of thanks.
" Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat" as the theme, observation of the 54th National Safety Day and Week began at Paradip Port Authority. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri P L Haranadh, Chairman, PPA inaugurated Safety Week Celebrations by hoisting the safety week flag and administering safety pledge. He also flagged off an awareness rally of employees and workers along with “Safety Rath” commenced from PPA Administrative Building and culminated at Gate No. 4 of PPA. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, Shri Susil Chandra Nahak CME, along with all HODs’ and senior officers’ of PPA graced the occasion. Director of M/s. Chennai Radha, Shri V R Ramu, Regional Manager, Shri A. Ramesh, co-ordinated the event. As part of weeklong celebrations, various awareness activities like safety essay, debate and poster competitions amongst employees and ports users, seminars, dock safety training programmes will be conducted.
Paradip Port has been conferred the prestigious No.1 Sagar Anklan certificate for outstanding overall performance in bulk cargo handling in greater than or equal to 5 MMT category in FY 2023-24 by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Minister of MoPSW.
Dy. Chairman, PPA, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta received the award in Mumbai at the recently held Post Budget Industry Meet to deliberate on transformative impact of Viksit Bharat Budget2025 on India's Maritime Sector. Sagar Ankalan — the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, is a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s maritime sector. This is a transformative leap towards making India a maritime powerhouse, contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat and a developed India by 2047.
Congratulating Team PPA for the remarkable achievement, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA said that it will inspire us to bring more laurels in coming times for the overall growth of the country. It may be noted that by February end in current fiscal, PPA is the fastest in the history of Indian Major Ports to clock 136.25 MMT cargo throughput till February end, inspite of huge market challenges like drop in export Iron Ore demand and thermal coal.
The Port is poised to set all time record cargo handling of current fiscal. Various system improvement measures, introduced by the Port during this year, fuelled growth. Coastal Thermal Coal handling constitutes around 30% of total cargo volume handled at the Port and it has shown 4.65% growth. Similarly, containerised cargo volume has grown by 175.58% and Gypsum & flux volume has surged by 2.86% Y-o-Y in the current fiscal. Thus Paradip port is emerging as a coastal shipping hub of the country. The Port's commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has positioned it as a key player in catering to the growing needs of the industries.
39th Annual Flower Show is in full bloom, captivating visitors with a breathtaking display of nature's artistry. Held at Officers' Club, the show was being organized by R & B Division of Paradip Port Authority this morning. It was inaugurated by Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA. He said that the basic objective of the flower show is to develop Paradip Port as a green and beautiful Port. Beautification activity is going on in full swing from Atharabanki to Gate No.-4. To promote greenery in and around Port township one lakh saplings are being planted every year continuously for the last three years through OFDC. In another two years there will be remarkable change in the Port landscape. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman and other HoDs were also present on the occasion. The show features an array of stunning floral exhibits showcasing the talents of employees , Port Users, local gardeners, florists, and horticultural enthusiasts as 135 participants exhibited spectacular collections of flowers, vegetables and plants in 48 different categories such as flowers, classified ornamental plants in cut and pot arrangements, bonsai, vegetables and foliage. The public and denizens thronged the place to visit various exhibition stalls. The myriad hues and scent of flowers at this flower show was mesmerizing. In a glittering function held in the evening at Officers' Club, Chairman, PPA, Deputy Chairman, PPA and other HODs awarded prizes to the winners in different categories. Visitors strolled through vibrant gardens, admired intricate floral arrangements, and learnt about the latest trends in gardening and plant care. "We are thrilled to present this year's flower show, which celebrates the beauty and diversity of the plant kingdom," said [... of PPA. "The show is a testament to the passion and dedication of our community, and we invite everyone to come and experience the magic of flowers."
In order to spread awareness on Cancer and preventive measure thereof an awareness programme on “Common Cancers of Male and Female and uses of Vaccine as a preventive measure” was held at PPA Hospital Conference Hall in association with HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, Cuttack. Dr. B B Das, CMO, PPA graced the occasion. Local women were sensitized about the causes of breast as well as cervical cancer, the social stigma, importance of self-examination & the need for early detection and treatment. The proactive step of PPA was appreciated by the denizens of the Paradip Port Township.
46th All India Major Ports Football Championship commenced with 8 Major Ports at Gopabandhu Stadium. Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Traffic, Paradip Port inaugurated the event. Teams will participate on League-cum-Knockout basis.
Paradip Port Authority along with Major Ports Sports Control Board is organising the sports extravaganza which will conclude on 16th February’2025. The inaugural match was held between PPA and Vishakhapatnam Port Authority. Shri D.N. Sondhi, Chairman, Organising Committee presided over the proceedings. Dr. D.P. Sethy, Secretary, Shri Rabi Dash, Co-ordinator & Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Jt. Secretary of Organising Committee were also present.
Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati visited Paradip Port on 7th February 2025 at 1520Hrs. Upon his arrival at PPA Administrative Building during his maiden visit to the Port, the Hon’ble Governor was welcomed by Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA along with other Senior Officials of the Port. Ceremonial Guard of Honour was given by CISF Unit, PPA. Hon’ble Governor was welcomed with flowers by group of NCC Alumni of Port Trust High School Naval NCC Wing. Chairman, PPA apprised the Hon’ble Governor about several infrastructural and technological advancements harnessed by the Port. This was followed by a meeting with the Port Management. Hon’ble Governor was briefed by the Chairman on Port’s future plans as well as the host of initiatives undertaken to enhance its Ease of Doing Business, Green Port Initiatives, future expansion programs, infrastructure projects. The Hon’ble Governor expressed his happiness & appreciated the Port developmental works and various infrastructure facilities provided. The Hon’ble Governor was presented memento by Chairman, PPA. Then he visited the Harbour area to have first hand experience about port operations during a Launch ride. He also participated in the plantation programme to make Paradip clean & green opposite Gate No. 3.
Republic Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervor by Paradip Port Authority. The celebrations commenced with the unfurling of the National flag by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA. Addressing on the occasion, he said that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our country is destined to become the third largest economy in the world by 2030. Port Sector is also marching ahead comprehensively under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister of MoPSW, Shri Sarbanada Sonowal ji. Today Paradip Port is No.1 Major Port both in terms of rated capacity and cargo handling. Paradip Port is also No.1 Major Port in terms of berth productivity and also providing services at the cheapest tariff.
Under the guidance of the Maritime India Vision 2030, Paradip Port is undergoing a transformation into a world-class Mega Port with a capacity of over 500 MTPA by 2047. As a part of this augmentation exercise, Port will commission two new berths in northern dock, one berth in Southern dock and one green berth by 2030. Apart from this 4 semi mechanised berths also will be mechanised by 2030, thus upgrading the port to a level of more than 80% mechanisation. The Western Dock project, with 25 MMTPA capacity is progressing rapidly and we will be able to complete the project much before the target date of 2028. With the completion of this project, port will be enabled to handle Cape Vessels, thus reducing the cost of logistics of our customers substantially.
To develop Paradip Port as a Green Port, one hydrogen berth is proposed to be constructed near South Break Water. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paradip Port has been identified as one of the Major Ports to be developed as a hydrogen hub. Also Paradip Port plans to power its operation by solar, with installation of 10 MW solar power plant, which underlines our commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly growth. It is expected to be operational by next financial year.
As part of our Corporate Environmental Responsibility, Paradip Port is focusing on environmental protection and mitigation of pollution. Two additional dry fog/mist cannon are procured and operated by Port recently in addition to two existing cannons. In additional to 5 existing sweeping machines, two conveyorised sweeping machine have been inaugurated recently which will be able to clean the wet cargo fall on the roads of Port. Every year we are adding one lakh plants to the environment of Paradip and now we are able to create an urban forest in this locality.
For holistic health care of employees, Paradip Port Authority has entered into a MoU for Ayurvedic OPD and IPD treatment with Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science & Research Hospital, Sri Sri University, Cuttack. To meet the demand of drinking water in Port Township, PPA is constructing a new reservoir as well as a new water treatment plant. The work for which has already been started and expected to be completed in a year, which will provide much awaited solution to the water woes of the Port township.
In Employees & Contractual Workers’ Welfare Front;
During the financial year, PPA has completed health check-up of all contract workers and employees working in our Port. It is first of its kind initiative to ensure health of contractual workers working with it. Very soon PPA will also start mandatory safety training courses, to all the workers entering harbour to inculcate self-consciousness and improve safety environment of the Port. In addition to the minimum wages paid to the contractual workers, the Port has enhanced the additional benefits from Rs.165 per day per person to Rs.245 per day per person, by which around 1100 nos of contractual workers have been benefited. In addition, the Port has enhanced the Group Insurance Policy from Rs.5 lakhs to Rs.20 lakhs in respect of Employees and Officers of PPA. Similarly, the Group Natural Death Insurance Policy from Rs.5 lakhs to Rs.12 lakhs in respect of contractual workers of PPA. The Group Accident Death Insurance Policy has been enhanced from Rs.10 lakhs to Rs.50 lakhs in respect of Class-I and II Officers of PPA and in case of employees of PPA, it has been enhanced from Rs.10 lakhs to Rs.25 lakhs. The Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) Settlement for revision of pay and allowances of Class-III and Class-IV of Major Port has been effected from 1st January, 2022 in the Port. All the arrears on this account are being paid to the employees ranging from Rs.1,50,000/- to Rs.4,50,000/- per employee and the whole exercise will be completed by March end with a fitment of 8.5% after merger of DA. Productivity linked Reward for contractual workers will be increased soon.
To mark the landmark the event of becoming the Number 1 Major Port in India, all the employees, contractual workers, CISF and those engaged directly by the Port, will be provided with a memento for the first time as a token of appreciation, for their contribution towards the growth of the Port.
Thereafter, Shri Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. Later on he awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents. CISF UNIT, PPA mesmerised the audience with spectacular Dog show and Fire drill. An exhibition cricket match was held among PWD employees of the Port. Poets’ meet was organised at Officers’ Club by Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad and in the evening inter-school dance competitions on patriotic theme were held among school children at Jayadev Sadan.
Paradip Port Authority has scripted another record by unloading 42 BOBR rakes on 16.01.2025 surpassing the previous record of 39 BOBR rakes achieved on 15.07.2022. 45 Thermal Coal rakes unloaded on 16.01.2025 is also the highest single day Thermal Coal unloading figure, surpassing the previous best of 44 Thermal Coal rakes unloaded recently on 12.01.2025
388 competitors joined Paradip Marathon
The 20th Paradip Marathon 2025 was conducted by the Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad of Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Friday on the occasion of 64th Port Foundation Day with Chief Guest PPA Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh flagging it off at Hanuman Temple Square. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA, was Guest of Honour.
The marathon covered a route of 14 km and concluded at the Gopabandhu Stadium amid great encouragement by the inhabitants of the port town and members of other Organisations. A total of 388 competitors – 325 male and 63 female, participated in the run.
Shri Ashok Dandsena from Odisha Police won the first prize in the men’s category by completing the distance in 41' (Minute) 51.1"( second), Shri Arjun Tudu from Jharkhand got the second prize with 41' 54.7” and Shri Dayanidhi Munda from Sonepur got the third prize in this category by clocking 44’04”.
In the women category, Ms. Susmita Tigga from Odisha Police won the first prize by completing the distance in 53’ 26.5”, Ms. Sandhya Murmu from Mayurbhanj got the second prize by completing the distance in 54’ 58.6” and Ms. Dipti Rani Sahoo won the third prize in 55’ 50.1”
Ms. Srabani Nanda Indian woman sprint runner athlete from Odisha specialized in 4x100m relay, 100 metre and 200 metre sprint events, was felicitated by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA on the occasion. Her Asst. coach Ms. Namita Kabat was felicitated by Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA. 5 differently abed students from local JAGRUTY school were felicitated on the occasion.
PPA Chairman Shri Haranadh, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA, Shri Sanajay Negi, DIG, DHQ7, Indian Coast Guard Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Business Development, Smt. Preeti Sondhi, Working President, Paradip Ladies Club and PPA Heads of the Departments graced the valedictory function held at the Gopabandhu Stadium. Addressing the gathering, Shri Haranadh said that PPA is currently the Largest Major Port in terms of rated port capacity. The Port is having the best berth productivity among Indian Major ports. It happens to be the cheapest Major Port in the country. Now with a slew of modernisaiton projects, the port is vying for coveted 400 MMT capacity by 2030. Towards greenery development in the locality and employee welfare, the Port is giving utmost importance. In the spirit of Marathon, PPA is marching forward. He appreciated the participants who have come from different parts of the country like Uttar Pradesh, Chhatishgarh and Jharkhand to join the Paradip Marathon.
Officials and technical members of the Paradip Port Sports Council led by Shri D.N. Sondhi, President, Dr. D.P. Sethi, Working President, Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad & Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Secretary and Shri Rabi Das, Advisor, Sports, GKS with the assistance of the officials from the Odisha Olympic Association conducted the marathon smoothly.
The Paradip Port Authority (PPA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment and its attached office, the Directorate General Factory Advice Service and Labour Institutes (DGFASLI), hosted a landmark 4th One-Day Workshop on Dock Safety and Handling of Hazardous Chemicals today. The workshop is part of DGFASLI’s nationwide initiative to enhance safety standards at 12 major ports, underscoring Paradip Port's leading role in prioritizing safety and operational excellence.
Being the No. 1 port among the country’s major ports, Paradip Port Authority consistently places safety at the forefront of its operations, setting benchmarks in cargo handling. In his presidential address, Shri P. L. Harandah, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority, highlighted the port's critical achievements in advancing cargo handling efficiency while fostering a robust safety culture. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman was Guest of Honour.
The workshop featured expert-led sessions covering crucial topics, including national and international regulatory frameworks for managing hazardous substances and skill development for dock workers and supervisors. Speakers from IIT Kharagpur and DGFASLI enriched the discussions, emphasizing the importance of academic and technical collaboration in strengthening safety measures and enhancing operational competencies.
This workshop series serves as a key step in ensuring safer working conditions for dock workers, supporting India’s expanding trade ecosystem, and advancing sustainable and secure dock operations. As the series progresses, it will provide actionable insights for stakeholders and government agencies to enhance safety measures and operational effectiveness nationwide
Marathon will be flagged off by the Chief Guest, Chairman, PPA at 07.30 AM on 3rd January 2025 at the Hanuman Temple near Gate No.5 and conclude at Gopabandhu Stadium passing through the designated route covering a distance of 14 Kms. The route will be identified, marked and the route chart will be provided to all the participants. The participants must be above 18 years & below 40 years of age as on 31.12.2024 and have to submit fitness certificate from a Govt. Medical officer or PPA medical officer. A panel of doctors from Port Authority will also be made available to check the fitness of participants, incase of necessity. All men participants have to deposit an entry fee of Rs.50/- per head and Rs.30/- for women participants. The participants will be supplied with a set of Banion & Short and chest nos. in duplicate. All outstation participants will be provided with unfurnished accommodation and dinner i.e. on 02.01.2025. On the Marathon day, breakfast will be provided to all participants after the Marathon, at Gopabandhu Stadium.
The application along with medical fitness certificate, undertaking, xerox copy of voter ID/Aadhar Card & Age proof certificate and entry fee in cash will be received at the time of registration. Registration of participants will be made on 1st January 2025 & 2nd January 2025 at Gopabandhu Stadium.
01-01-2025 - Local participants under Paradip Municipality area -10.00 AM to 04.00 PM. (Lunch Break from 1.30 PM to 2.30 PM) 01.01.2025 & 02.01.2025 - Outstation participants -10.00 AM to 05.00 PM. (Lunch Break from 1.30 PM to 2.30 PM) Registration will continue untill registration of 600 boys and 100 girls or till 5 PM which ever is earlier.
N.B. No entry will be made in the registration as well as attendance after the scheduled time.
Attendance of the participants shall be taken at Hanuman Temple near Gate No.5 on 03.01.2025 from 06.30 AM to 07.30 AM. The time limit for completing the total distance of Marathon (14 km) will be 2 (Two) hours from the starting time.
The winners of 19th Paradip Marathon will be awarded prizes as per followings:
Prizes
Men Category
Women Category
1st Prize
1
Rs.21,000/-
2nd Prize
Rs.15,000/-
3rd Prize
Rs.10,500/-
4th Prize
3X3000
Rs.9,000/-
5th Prize
6X1500
6th Prize
9X1000
24th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2024-25 being held at Jayadev Sadan came to an end on December15th evening, but the memories will last a lifetime. Paradip Port Authority along with Major Ports Sports Control Board successfully organised the Cultural Extravaganza. Gracing the valedictory function as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA thanked the participants for entertaining the people of port township for the last four days. Around 200 participants from 8 Major Ports across the country participated in the cultural meet.
Team Paradip Port Authority was crowned as the overall Champion. Syama Prasad Mukerjee Port, Kolkata won the Runners-up and Mumbai Port Authority won the 2nd Runners-up award. Ms. Soumya Mishra, Team PPA bagged 1st prize in light vocal category. Shri D.N. Sondhi, Chairman, Organising Committee presided over the proceedings. Capt. A.C.Sahoo, Vice Chairman, Organising Committe, Dr. D.P. Sethy, Secretary, Shri Rabi Dash, Co-ordinator & Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Jt. Secretary of Organising Committee were also present. Shri Sriman Narayan Mishra, DTM, PPA compeered the programme.
Paradip Port Authority along with Major Ports Sports Control Board is organising 24th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2024 -25 at Jayadev Sadan. Gracing the inaugural function as Chief Guest, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman, PPA inaugurated the cultural extravaganza and said that the Culture is the most beautiful expression of aesthetic of human heart. It expresses inner beauty of the soul. Every piece of land and nature nurtures culture in its own way. The cultural meet provides ample opportunity for celebration of Indian culture. Guest of Honour, Shri A K Bose, Advisor, Traffic, PPA said that today representatives from vast Indian coastline have congregated to display their skills through cultural performances. Around 200 participants from 8 Major Ports across the country are participating in the cultural meet, which will come to an end on 15th December. Shri D.N. Sondhi, Chairman, Organising Committee presided over the inaugural proceedings. Capt. A.C. Sahoo, Dy. Chairman, Dr. D.P Sethi, Secretary of organising committee also spoke on the occasion. Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Jt. Secretary, organising committee compeered the programme. All the Major Ports are competing in categories like Classical Vocal, Light Vocal, Instrumental, Dance and Drama. This evening, the inaugural performance was made by DPA, Kandla.
Extending its enviable track record, Paradip Port, the No. 1 Major Port in the country, clocked staggering 100.13 MMT cargo throughput milestone today. It has once again repeated the feat by crossing the 100 MMT mark, 8th year, in succession and achieved the figure on 9th December in the current fiscal. Notably, in FY 2023-24, the coveted mark of 100 MMT was achieved on 18th December 2023. The record was achieved in 9 days in advance i.e. in 253 days in current fiscal against 262 days in last financial year. Thus this century is the fastest by PPA, in the history of Indian Major Ports, inspite of huge market challenges like drop in export Iron Ore demand and thermal coal.
The Port is poised to set all time record cargo handling of 150 MMT in current fiscal. Various system improvement measures, introduced by the Port during this year, fuelled growth. Outbound Iron Ore and Pellet has shown 2.23% growth in comparison to previous fiscal. Coastal Thermal Coal handling constitutes more than 30% of total cargo volume handled at the Port and it has shown 3.57% growth. Similarly, containerised cargo volume has grown by 123.09% and Gypsum & flux volume has surged by 26.55% Y-o-Y in the current fiscal. Thus Paradip port is emerging as a coastal shipping hub of the country.
For the above feat, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA while interacting with local media has expressed his gratitude to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji, Hon’ble Minister of MoPSW under whose inspiration, dynamic leadership and guidance, PPA could achieve the incredible success. He congratulated all Officers/Employees, the user industries, Stevedores, Steamer Agents, Trade Unions, PPP Operators for such amazing accomplishment in the ability of the Port to serve them. Chairman, PPA also appreciated the support of Govt. authorities like Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (GoI), Govt. of Odisha, Indian Railways, Customs and other deptts for their continued support. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, Shri A.K.Bose, Advisor, Traffic and Shri G.Edison, Traffic Manager, PPA were also present on the occasion.
The Port's commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has positioned it as a key player in catering to the growing needs of the industries.
Commemorating the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. B R Ambedkar, Paradip Port Authority celebrated his legacy as the PPA fraternity led by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman offered floral tributes at the statue of Dr Ambedkar in the morning. They remembered how his pioneering vision united us in the spirit of equality and justice. The meeting was also attended by Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy,Chairman, PPA. Shri Susil Chandra Nahak, CME, PPA Er. Gangadhar Sethy & Shri Dhuna Chandra Tarai, General Secretaries, PPT SC & ST Employees Welfare Association were also present on the occasion.
Paradip Port Authority organised an event at JAGRUTY School for differently abled children on the occasion of International Day of Persons With Disabilities. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Haranadh saluted the spirit & determination of the school children and mentioned that PPA would take necessary steps within its ambit for the all-round development of the school. He assured that within short time, regular sessions by occupational, speech, audio therapists will be ensured for the school children to bring smiles on these faces. Shri Haranadh also distributed mementoes to the 51 Divyang employees of Paradip Port Authority. Shri G. Edison,Traffic Manager & Secretary-in-Charge, PPA was also present on the occasion. PPA presented school kits to the Children of Jagruty & Paradip Ladies Club extended the monetary assistance to the school. Shri N.K. Pattanaik, Sr. Welfare Officer compered the programme, Shri Rama Chandra Pradhan, Welfare Officer, PPA offered vote of thanks. Cultural performances by the school children enthralled the audience on the occasion.
Paradip Port Authority commemorated Constitution Day, marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA read out the preamble to Sr. Officials in presence of Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman. The Constitution of India, a testament to the vision of our founding fathers, stands as the bedrock of our democracy. It enshrines the fundamental rights and duties of every citizen, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. PPA is committed to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution. It believes that a strong and vibrant democracy is essential for the progress and prosperity of our nation.On this momentous occasion, PPA reaffirms its pledge to work towards a just and equitable society.
Lothal Will Be a Global Symbol of India’s Ancient Maritime Glory– PM Modi.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, during the 116th episode of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, emphasized the significance of Lothal in India’s maritime history. Known as the site of the world’s first dockyard, Lothal is now witnessing the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex, under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a grand museum dedicated to showcasing India’s 5000-year-old maritime history that began with the Harappan civilization.
In the 116th episode of @mannkibaat, PM Shri @narendramodi featured Lothal’s unique contribution to India’s maritime history. Lothal is coming up as the National Maritime Heritage Complex, a project by MoPSW that celebrates India’s 5000-year-old maritime legacy. @AkashvaniAIR pic.twitter.com/vglg56sCp7
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) November 24, 2024
Speaking on the initiative, PM Modi said, “Lothal is a proud symbol of India’s maritime brilliance and ancient trading capabilities. The museum being developed here will become a global hub for learning and appreciating our rich seafaring heritage. I urge everyone to contribute by preserving and sharing manuscripts, historical documents, or artefacts with the National Archives of India.”
The Prime Minister further highlighted the Oral History Project, which documents the experiences of Partition survivors. With only a few witnesses of the Partition era remaining, this initiative aims to preserve their stories for future generations.
As part of India’s ongoing campaign to preserve its ancient heritage, PM Modi encouraged citizens to actively participate by contributing to these efforts and ensuring the legacy of India’s maritime and cultural history is safeguarded.
Set to feature an array of exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs, NMHC is expected to become a major tourist destination, attracting visitors globally and fostering a greater appreciation for India’s maritime heritage. The physical progress for Phase 1A of the project has reached 57%, marking a significant milestone in its development.
Sagarmanthan - The Great Oceans Dialogue, an initiative by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), drew a successful closure here today. The sessions attempted discussions and examination of how partnerships can be developed and build upon.The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi shared his message on the successful organising of the maiden maritime event - Sagarmanthan, The Ocean’s Dialogue - being held at the national capital. PM Modi called for success of Sagarmanthan to build consensus for partnerships of a prosperous future of humanity.
May this Dialogue on Oceans strengthen the rules-based world order, fostering peace, trust, and friendship among nations quotes PM Shri @narendramodi in his message for Sagarmanthan: the great Ocean dialogue #Oceansdialogue pic.twitter.com/VBSzAtfZpm
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) November 19, 2024
In his message sent from Camp Office in Nigeria, the PM Modi shared, “Our vision for a free, open and secure maritime network - be it the Indian Ocean or the Indo Pacific region - is finding resonance across the world. The ‘Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative’ envisions marine resources as a key pillar for growth for nations. This dialogue on oceans further strengthen the rules-based world order and enhance peace, trust and friendship between nations. As we strive to realise the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, dialogues such as Sagarmanthan are invaluable to build consensus, partnerships and most importantly, a prosperous future. With the collective efforts of all stakeholders, I am confident that these discussions will resonate far and wide, paving the way toward a brighter, more connected future.”
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji for his encouraging words and support to Sagarmanthan - The Great Oceans Dialogue. Modi Ji's vision has been the guide towards India rise and reclamation of our maritime heritage, as we look to become a leading… pic.twitter.com/uNBXLzDxq8
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) November 19, 2024
Sagarmanthan is South Asia’s largest maritime thought leadership forum. Organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) in partnership with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Sagarmanthan offers a premier platform for global leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to share insights and shape the future of the marine sector. With critical themes spanning the blue economy, global supply chains, maritime logistics, and sustainable growth, the dialogue aims to chart a bold, actionable course for a vibrant and future-ready maritime ecosystem.
During the one on one conversation, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “India has a vision of becoming a major maritime nation by 2030, as envisioned by the dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. With our sustained effort to infuse modernisation, digitisation and mechanisation of the sector, we have broken through the issues of inefficiency, which is a thing of past now. Given that India has the rich talent pool as well as resources to become a major shipbuilding nation, we are aiming to enter the Top 10 of ship building countries by 2030 while working our way to become world’s Top 5 by 2047 - a milestone key to realisation of the vision of PM Narendra Modi ji’s Atmanirbhar Bharat. We are also confident that the rich resource pool and a vibrant democratic set up will embolden our ports to handle 10,000 Million Tonnes of cargo by 2047.” These remark by the Minister at the inaugural session of the second day of Sagarmanthan set the tone. The conversation was conducted by Samir Saran, President, Observer Research Foundation (ORF).
Our future vision is to make India the Shipbuilding Capital of the World. #Sagarmanthan2024 pic.twitter.com/pa7pf6xzX9
The Union Minister also interacted with technical experts on creating a circular blue economy. While the session focused on sustainability at sea as priority, the discussion attempted to hedge solutions around its many challenges. Nadeem Nazurally, Associate Professor, University of Mauritius; Nancy Karigithu, Special Envoy and Advisor, Blue Economy, Executive Office of the President, Kenya; Nwabisa Matoti, Research Director, South African International Maritime Institute, South Africa; Oda Korneliussen, Programme Manager, Avfall Norge, Norway, Peter Aukamp, Senior Advisor, goodcarbon, Germany interacted with the Union Minister. The session was moderated by Catharina Frostad, Co-Founder, Clean Sea Solutions, Norway.
Sustainability is a pillar of India's maritime policy. #Sagarmanthan2024 pic.twitter.com/PZCEppPOoB
Sarbananda Sonowal further said, “Blue Economy is an important aspect of humanity’s evolution. It is important that global collaboration takes driver’s seat while domestic energy is revitalising our approach to the blue economy. This event is aimed at finding creative solutions and new policy directions that empower coastal communities and oceans based businesses. Sagarmanthan has given a start to identify pathways and secure supply chains through as much green energy as possible while working on effective partnerships between the local, the global and the corporate. Various aspects of maritime sector like shipbuilding, working conditions of seafarers bridging gender gap, financing future development, innovative solutions, strategies to rebuild resilience and prosperity along our coasts while developing new routes for newer resources were discussed at length here today. This has given us ample knowledge - the nectar of Sagarmanthan - which we will respectfully study and apply towards sustainable evolution of maritime sector.”
Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji's untiring efforts have led to remarkable growth of the inland waterways sector. #Sagarmanthan2024 pic.twitter.com/QJYN6CXWf1
At the valedictory session, the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur delivered his address thanking all the esteemed experts from across the world along with more than 1700 delegates from 61 countries for their engrossing participation at the event. The Minister said, “As we gather today at the closing of the Sagarmanthan, I am inspired by the powerful dialogue and innovative ideas that have emerged. This platform has once again affirmed India’s maritime strength and its pivotal role in global trade and economic growth. Our ports are not merely gateways to trade—they are lifelines of progress, engines of employment, and anchors of sustainable development. The insights shared here reaffirm the potential of harnessing technology, fostering green initiatives, and deepening collaborations to make our maritime infrastructure world-class. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji we are scripting a new chapter in India's maritime story—one that is bold, resilient, and inclusive. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to a future where our coasts drive prosperity, our seas carry hope, and our ports connect aspirations. The journey has only begun.”
The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also delivered keynote address at the Ministerial Dinner Roundtable with the Think Tank community over dinner last night. The opening remarks were made by the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur while the Executive Director and Director of Research, Egyptian Centre for Economic Studies, Egypt, Abla Abdel-Latif, Senior Research Fellow, Naval Warfare and Advance Technology, Allison Centre for National Security, USA, Brent Sadler; Senior Fellow, Strobe Talbott Centre for Security, The Heritage Foundation, USA, Bruce Jones; Senior Research Fellow, Korea Maritime Institute, Republic of Korea, Jungho Nam; Senior Programme Officer, Circle the Med Forum, Greece, Konstanitinos Foutzopoulos; the Secretary General, Forum Oceano, Portugal, Rube Eiras; the Director General Research and Information Systems for Developing Countries, India, Sachin Chaturvedi; the National Maritime Strategy Coordinator, India, Vice Admiral (Retd) G Ashok Kumar spoke. The vote of thanks was given by the Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Vijay Kumar.
On the Euro Afro Asian century: connecting the heartlands of future growth session, Ruben Eiras, Secretary General, Forum Oceano, Portugal, pointed out importance of ‘digitisation and its integration with Artificial Intelligence applications for optimising routes and also for advanced vessel dynamics.’ Eiras also acknowledged how India has been developing Inland Waterways and how other countries can benefit from this development. At the event, experts also hedged intelligence towards finding greener solutions without disrupting the supply lines of the world. Dawoon Jung, Lecturer, Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Australia, underscored how there is a need to develop regulations for the use of alternative fuels. During the ‘Energy and Shipping: Charting a Course to Sustainable Trade’ session, Jonathan Christensen, Chief Executive Officer, Global Maritime Forum, Denmark, suggested availability, affordability & acceptability as a broad framework. He further said how India’s use of green ammonia as fuel can be a learning experience for the world. Luc Arnouts, Vice President, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium said how governments should close the gap between grey and green shipping.
Another engaging session at Sagarmanthan titled ‘Rethinking Labour at Sea: Overcoming Enduring Inequalities,’ Luisito delos Santos, Director, Planning and Policy, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippines shared how just and humane treatment of seafarers is key. Helene Tofte, Executive Director, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Norway, argued for the need to have global regulation as shipping is a global business. Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, Directorate General of Shipping, India set the scene while highlighting India’s prowess as the world’s third largest seafaring country in the world. He also shared how the Government has implemented institutional support for women at sea via ‘Sagar Mein Samman.’
On India’s quest to become top ship manufacturing country in the world, global experts from Netherlands, Panama, Norway, Egypt, Australia discussed with leading Indian maritime experts on various aspects of ship building. The session touched upon why it is necessary to restore resilience, and decentralised production of global shipbuilding, various frameworks for incentivising innovation and streamlining processes in the ship building industry and how rest of the world can learn best practices of ship building from world’s leading ship manufacturing nations. Harrie de Leijer, Partner, Nestra, Netherlands, said that solutions must be looked at to reduce operation at cost while availability and affordability must be concerned. José Digerónimo, President, Maritime Chamber of Panama, Panama also underscored how cooperation with India is crucial to modernise fleet. Line Ollestad, Advisor, Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Norway substantiated as how India provides an opportunity as ‘Norway is in need of deep sea vessels.’
Many world leaders like Carl Bildt, Former Prime Minister of Sweden and Co-Chair, European Council on Foreign Relations, Sweden; Mehdi Jomaa, Former Prime Minister, Tunisia among others spoke at the sessions in the ‘Sagarmanthan - The Oceans Dialogue’.
Identified as the region’s first of its kind thought leadership event on maritime sector, ‘Sagarmanthan - the Great Oceans Dialogue’, has been designed around four central themes which are New Frontiers, Blue Growth Partnerships for Progress, Green and Blue, and Coasts & Communities. The New Frontiers will explore subjects around connectivity, infrastructure and development in a dynamic world. The second theme, Blue Growth, is aimed at fostering partnerships for progress. The Green & Blue theme will dabble at important issues of sustainability, technology and innovation. The discussion will also hover around maritime governance and social impact, which is covered under the Coasts and Communities theme.
India’s maritime sector serves as the backbone of its trade and commerce, handling around 95% of the country’s trade by volume and 70% by value. With 12 major ports and over 200 notified minor and intermediate ports, the country’s port infrastructure underpins its growing economy. As the sixteenth-largest maritime nation in the world, India occupies a key position on global shipping lanes. Most cargo ships traveling between East Asia and destinations like America, Europe, and Africa traverse Indian waters, highlighting the nation’s strategic importance. The sector’s contributions extend beyond trade. India boasts a fleet of 1,530 ships sailing under its flag as of 2023, a testament to its growing presence in global shipping. Additionally, the country is the third-largest in the world in terms of ship recycling by tonnage, underscoring its role in sustainable maritime practices and the global supply chain. This prominence complements the nation’s efforts to modernise and expand its port infrastructure. Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their annual cargo-handling capacity from 871.52 million tonnes to 1,629.86 million tonnes, reflecting an impressive growth of 87.01%. In the financial year 2024 alone, Indian ports managed 819.22 million tonnes of cargo, a 4.45% rise from the previous year. This growth aligns with a surge in merchandise exports, which climbed to USD 451 billion in FY23 from USD 417 billion the year before.
Sagarmanthan - The Great Oceans Dialogue, the South Asia’s largest Maritime Thought Leadership summit, began here today. The inaugural session was addressed by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Sarbananda Sonowal; the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Greece, Christos Stylianides; the Minister of State for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, Maldives, Dr Amzath Ahmed; the National Representative for the Province of Rio Negro, Argentina, Ms Maria Lorena Villaverde; the Secretary of MoPSW, TK Ramachandran along with the President, Observer Research Foundation (ORF), Samir Saran in the presence of representatives from 61 countries along with hundreds of delegates from maritime sector.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) of the Government of India, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation, is organising the two-day event, Sagar Manthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue. The initiative brings together global policymakers, maritime experts, industry leaders, and scholars to deliberate on advancing sustainable and innovative maritime practices.
Speaking at the inaugural session, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India’s Maritime Vision 2047 is a roadmap to transform the maritime sector by fostering sustainability, enhancing connectivity, and leveraging technology. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, our ministry through initiatives like Sagarmala and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision is aiming at making India a leader in global maritime trade, achieving our goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Our vision aims to revolutionise India’s maritime sector with an investment of ₹80 lakh crores to enhance port capacity, shipping, ship building inland waterways. Key projects include the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala, new mega ports at Vadhavan in Maharashtra, and Galathea Bay in Nicobar. By 2047, India targets a port handling capacity of 10,000 million metric tons per annum, leveraging strategic trade routes through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and the International North-South Transport Corridor. Reviving its shipbuilding legacy, India is constructing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal while advancing clean-fuel shipbuilding to meet future sustainability goals.”
The dialogue underscores India’s strategic role in global trade, with a 7,500 kilometers coastline and strategic islands that bolster its maritime potential. The event also highlights the nation’s commitment to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector through green initiatives such as the Harit Sagar Guidelines and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Greece, Christos Stylianides, said, “For us policy makers, it is crucial to ensure a stable regulatory framework and a global level playing field for the industry. It is now time to set the foundations for forward-looking and realistic policies which will the current maritime challenges into opportunities. International transport systems with shipping at its core as an integral part, should serve the three pillars of sustainability: the environmental, the social and the economic one. This will be done by optimising efficiency in connectivity, minimising pollution and ensuring resilience across the entire maritime chain. What we need now is collaboration and the ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue’ is a great example in this direction. It is in our hands, in a spirit of partnership, to make this happen.”
The Minister of State, MoPSW, Shantanu Thakur highlighted the socio-economic potential of coastal communities and the need for global partnerships. The Minister stated, “India’s economic growth is
guided by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—‘The World is One Family.’ Our ports and shipping corridors are not just about commerce but about connectivity, collaboration, and care for coastal communities and the environment. The oceans must be a global priority, not just for economic development but for ecological preservation and energy innovation.”
Speaking about this maiden initiative - Sagarmanthan, the Member, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PM-EAC), Sanjeev Sanyal said, “This should serve as a guiding principle for all of us to strengthen and grow our maritime cluster. Our goal is to position ourselves at the forefront of the maritime sector, and to achieve this, we must draw on the expertise of industry leaders who set benchmarks across various verticals. The seas and oceans, gifts of nature, are abundant with resources, energy, and potential. It is our responsibility to harness them wisely, combining knowledge and skill to achieve sustainable growth. Our commitment must ensure that both the economy and ecology thrive in harmony, fostering progress without compromise. We have the technology, the young workers, the trade volume, the steel and the coastline - all the ingredients. So we should aspire in 10 years to build 10-12 per cent of the world’s ships and own/flag 8 per cent."
On the sidelines of Sagarmanthan, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal participated in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy go Greece, Christos Stylianides here today. The two leaders discussed an array of topics and agreed to deepen the maritime relationship between the two countries. Both the leaders agreed to expand trade from the existing US$ 1.94 billion to doubling it by focussing on broadening, increasing, and balancing by 2030.
Speaking after the meeting, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It was a good meeting that we had here on the sidelines of Sagarmanthan here today. We discussed on collaboration and cooperation in multiple areas of maritime sector between the two countries. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India further deepened its bilateral relationship into strategic relationship with Greece. With this platform, India is working with Greece to expand economic cooperation with the European Union market. Given the economic potential in the Indian market, I am also reaching out shipping industries of Greece to consider setting their operations here through His Excellency the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece.”
The two maritime ministers also discussed underscored the importance of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on maritime and shipping issues as important bilateral institutional mechanisms for consolidating sector specific cooperation. Both the leaders agreed to optimally use strategic maritime assets towards sustainable development. Given the rich heritage of both the nations, the ministers agreed to collaborate at the ongoing development of National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Government of India. The talks also touched important subjects like renewable energy, cultural and educational cooperation in maritime studies and explore multiple areas of maritime infrastructure development and its potential.
The two day forum’s agenda includes sessions on maritime connectivity, sustainable development, technological innovation, and global maritime governance. The Ministry also showcased India’s advancements in port digitisation, renewable energy integration, and decarbonised shipping, reflecting the nation's vision of becoming a global maritime hub. The Dialogue featured participants from 60 countries across the globe with more than 1700 participants including ministers, former heads of state and government, journalists, and experts.
Paradip Port Authority the No.1 Major port in the country has taken a significant step towards promoting employee wellbeing by signing an MoU with Sri Sri Hospital, Cuttack to bring the healing power of Ayurveda to its workforce. The MoU was signed for ayurvedic treatment facilities to employees in the august presence of Pujya Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar & PPA Chairman Shri P. L. Haranadh on 10th November 2024 which will enable PPA employees to avail OPD/IPD. In a celebration of academic brilliance and visionary leadership, Sri Sri University hosted its 11th Convocation Ceremony on November 10, 2024, a day marked with distinction and honour. The event was graced by the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the lifetime president of the University, whose presence imbued the occasion with unparalleled dignity and spiritual gravitas. The strategic partnership of PPA aims to generate for a healthier & highly productive workforce. Commenting on this endeavour Shri Haranadh said, “We believe that investing in the health and wellbeing in the employees is crucial to their overall productivity and job satisfaction. This partnership aligns with our commitment to create a positive and supportive work environment”.
Paradip Port, has risen as a stand out in the Indian Maritime sector, setting remarkable records, showcasing its dedication to excellence. In the current financial year till 10th November, it has clocked 88.82 MMT Cargo volume showcasing on incremental growth of 5.27 % over the corresponding period in previous fiscal. PPA continues as numero uno among Major Ports in the country.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal celebrated the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) as all the organisations virtually took the pledge to preserve the unity, integrity and security after the Union Minister read out the pledge along with thousands of colleagues who virtually joined the programme.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off ‘Run for Unity’ here today from the Sarusajai sports complex. Organised on the eve of ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas,’ Shri Sonowal highlighted the invaluable contribution of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel towards unifying the country and laying the foundation for a strong and prosperous nation. The Union Minister was joined by the Minister in the Govt of Assam, Shri Keshab Mahanta along with the MP (Guwahati), Bijuli Kalita Medhi. The event was organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Govt of India along with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), with support from the Govt of Assam.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the "Iron Man of India," restored the unity and integrity of the nation, laying the foundation for a strong and prosperous India. On the eve of his birth anniversary, we are celebrating ‘Run for Unity’ to bring home the idea of nationhood. The invaluable contribution of Sardar Patel towards integrating and unifying the country at great peril ensured a strong foundation for the India story to take shape. Thanks to this foundation, we are moving ahead to realise the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. With the blessing of Sardar Patel, The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is leading the country with the motto of ‘EK BHARAT, SHRESTH BHARAT.’ It gives me immense pleasure to witness all of you, especially the youth, to celebrate the great ideals of Sardar Patel via this ‘Run for Unity.’ The enduring contributions of Bharat Ratna Sardar Patel will continue to inspire every citizen of the country.”
The run was joined by people from all sections of the society, with predominant participation from the youth and school students. The runners enthusiastically participated, followed the run-in trail built around the Sarusajai stadium to complete it and expressed their will to align with the idea of the run as well as that of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or the National Unity Day has been celebrated on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel on 31st October since 2015. On this occasion, the people of the country remember the great icon of nationalism and pledge for unity and integrity of India. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi during the radio broadcast of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ called upon to celebrate ‘Run for Unity’ today instead of 31 October on account of Deepawali festival.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal visited the Pandu Port Complex to review the ongoing construction activities including the Northeast India’s First Ship Repair Facility as well as the Elevated Road corridor here today. The Union Minister also met with the senior officials of the Ministry as well as the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for the development of waterways in the country, to assess the progress of various projects being developed along the river Brahmaputra (National Waterways 2) with an investment of ₹645 crores.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sonowal said, “Waterways have always been the lifeline for the people along the river. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this important aspect of our civilisation became a focal point of renewed attempt at finding sustainable solutions for economic development and prosperity. The National Waterways 2 or our beloved Mahabahu Brahmaputra brings with tremendous potential for the people of Assam. In order to usher in a new age of marine transportation via inland waterways, the Modi government has made substantial investment to develop this. Apart from regular activities like dredging to maintain a Least Available Depth (LAD) for smooth passage of ships, vessels and cargo boats, we have also made provisions for development of infrastructure along the river. As many as 10 key projects on the river Brahmaputra are being developed with a capital expenditure of ₹645 crores. They are designed to create capacity in order to boost river tourism, public transportation as well as cargo movement. Apart from slipways at strategic locations like Majuli and Dhubri, new passenger terminals are being developed at Ghagor in North Lakhimpur and Bahari in Barpeta. We discussed about these projects here with senior officials of the Ministry and IWAI. It gives me satisfaction that the work is going on to execute these key projects.”
The Union Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of Ship Repair Facility. It is also noteworthy this repair facility is being constructed with an investment of ₹208 crores and is being developed through Hooghly-Cochin Shipyard Limited (HCSL). The last mile connectivity to Pandu Port Complex, through alternative road to NH27, with an investment of ₹180 crores, was also reviewed.
Speaking after physical inspection at the capacity expansion at the Pandu Port Complex, Shri Sonowal said, “Pandu is a very important location for the waterways of the Northeast because of its strategic advantage. Keeping this in mind, the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji laid the foundation stones to develop the region’s first Ship Repair Facility here. This project is a gamechanger for the shipping & vessel operators in the region, as it minimises their operating cost substantially. We are also constructing an elevated road corridor from the Pandu port to connect with NH27 for smooth and swift access for logistical operations. These projects will elevate the proposition of Pandu Multi Modal Port as multiplier of value for the business and trading interests of the region. I am also happy to inform that the union government has taken steps to fasten the construction work on the Majuli Bridge as we reviewed and took steps to correct course for speedy yet quality construction and completion of the project.”
In Assam alone, projects exceeding ₹760 crore are currently underway, signifying the government's dedication to the region's progress. The MoPSW is also developing River tourism and water sports along Brahmaputra under which seven tourist jetties will be constructed at Oriumghat, Bhupen Hazarika Setu, Koliabhom ora Bridge at Tezpur, Bogibeel Bridge, Dikhow Mukh, Kalongmukh and Uzanbazar in Guwahati.
As per the directives of Central Vigilance Commission, Paradip Port Authority is observing week-long celebration from 28th October to 3rd November 2024, centered on the theme “Culture of Integrity for Nation's Prosperity”, The celebration to spread Vigilance Awareness began at Paradip Port with Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA administering Integrity Pledge to the employees at PPA Administrative Building. Addressing the gathering, he said that the highest level of integrity, honesty and transparency in our working contribute to the economic development of the nation. We should always try to provide service to the customers taking care of genuine requests and helping the organisation to grow. Following the pledge, a spot quiz contest on vigilance knowledge was held among the employees. Local cultural organization CANMASS performed a skit titled “YAMA DARBAR” to generate awareness about the menaces of corruption, which was highly appreciated by the audience present.
During the observance of Vigilance Awareness week -2024, various activities and competitions on elocution, essay, drawing and fancy dress have been scheduled among the local school students to promote awareness among general mass. PPA employees are also actively taking integrity e-pledge by visiting website of CVC & PPA. Several Hoardings and digital displays in the locality are creating awareness among the general public. Each department of PPA has been conducting stakeholders meet for awareness on corruption and grievance redressal. Issues relating to the functioning of the departments under three months Campaign as prelude to Vigilance Awareness Week-2024 have also been taken up.
In a remarkable achievement that underscores its relentless dedication and operational excellence, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has broken new ground in cargo handling. As of October 6, 2024, the port has handled an impressive 75.17 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the current fiscal, achieving this milestone 12 days ahead of the previous fiscal’s timeline. Commenting on this remarkable achievement, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA said, "This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and commitment of Team PPA, who have continuously strived to enhance performance and operational efficiency".
This achievement not only highlights Paradip Port’s growing role as a critical hub in India’s maritime sector but also reinforces its reputation as country’s No. 1 Major Port. The port has consistently focused on enhancing its infrastructure, streamlining operations, and embracing technological innovations to better serve its stakeholders. Surpassing the cargo handling mark well ahead of schedule signifies the port’s increasing capability to handle a diverse range of cargo, boosting both trade and economic growth.
The early accomplishment of this cargo milestone sets a new benchmark for the port, reflecting its strategic importance in the region and its key role in facilitating international trade. By continuing to push boundaries, Paradip Port is on track to break further records and set new milestones in the maritime industry.
Team PPA’s success story stands as an inspiration in the sector, demonstrating the power of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication. With this achievement, Paradip Port is set to continue its legacy of excellence, contributing significantly to India’s economic and trade objectives.
The Conference on Maritime Decarbonization in India, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), concluded today at Le Meridien, New Delhi. The event brought together over 200 delegates, including leaders from key Indian ports, central and state government officials, industry stakeholders, international experts, and academia to discuss the future of green shipping and port operations.
The conference underscored India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and highlighted strategic initiatives to decarbonize its maritime sector, aligned with the Maritime India Vision 2030. Discussions covered a range of critical themes, including green port infrastructure, clean harbor craft, the use of zero-carbon fuels, emissions reduction strategies, and the electrification of inland waterways.
In his keynote address, Shri T. K. Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, reinforced India’s determination to transform its maritime sector. He said "India's maritime sector is not just a key driver of nation’s economy but also a critical player in our fight against climate change. Through initiatives like the Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines and Harit Nauka Green Transition Guidelines, MoPSW is setting a global example in the adoption of green energy, sustainable port operations, and cleaner shipping practices. Our efforts today will define the maritime landscape of tomorrow, ensuring a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability."
“MoPSWs ambition to embrace low or zero-emission fuels and transform all vessels in Indian waters into green vessels by 2047 exemplifies forward-thinking approach to climate action and sustainable maritime practices”.
“The National Green Hydrogen Mission, with its goal of making India a global hub for green hydrogen production, reflects commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. By reducing carbon intensity and adopting 'Working with Nature' principles, MoPSW ensures that India’s maritime sector not only supports economic growth but also aligns with broader climate objectives, driving innovation and sustainability in every step”.
One of the event's highlights was a special session on Green Ports and Maritime Decarbonization, where experts shared knowledge and best practices for reducing the carbon footprint of Indian ports. The session included presentations from Ajay Kumar Singh, Head of DNV Maritime Advisory India, who discussed the role of smart ports in enhancing energy efficiency, and Lawrence Ong, Deputy Director of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, who shared insights into Singapore’s decarbonization journey.
In another session, discussions focused on the role of zero-carbon fuels in maritime operations, with experts highlighting the need for early adoption of alternative fuels like green hydrogen and ammonia. Captain Prashant S. Widge of Maersk Line shared a shipowner’s perspective on the global challenges and opportunities in transitioning to green fuels, while Madhu Nair, CMD of Cochin Shipyard, presented the Indian experience with alternative fuels.
The conference also spotlighted Inland Waterways as a key area for decarbonization, with presentations from R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (IWT), MoPSW, and P. J. Shaji, CGM of Kochi Water Metro, showcasing successful efforts in reducing emissions and improving efficiency in water-based transportation. Shri Lakshmanan also suggested transitioning to low-emission alternative fuels would help tapping into the complete potential of IWT as a sustainable transportation mode.
During the session Shri. R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary (Ports), MoPSW emphasized the importance of continued collaboration within the sector, to drive tangible progress toward achieving decarbonization goals in India's maritime industry. He emphasized on MoPSW blueprint for Ecosystem Development for Green Hydrogen Production and Export at Major Ports.
The conference was expertly moderated by distinguished professionals from ADB and KPMG, ensuring insightful discussions and seamless coordination throughout the event. The conference concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Yesim Elhan-Kayalar, Advisor, ERDI, ADB, on India's maritime decarbonization priorities and the path forward for sustainable and green shipping practices.
As part of the outcomes, the conference emphasized the need for continued collaboration between government bodies, industry leaders, and international organizations to achieve shared decarbonization goals. It also set the stage for further discussions on innovative financing models and regulatory frameworks that support green shipping and port development.
As India moves forward with its ambitious goals, the insights gained from the Conference on Maritime Decarbonization will play a crucial role in shaping policies and practices that contribute to a cleaner, greener maritime sector.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ from the Mumbai port. Aimed at the boosting the tremendous potential of cruise tourism in the country, the programme by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways aims to propel country’s cruise tourism industry by doubling cruise passenger traffic within five years; i.e. by 2029, said Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur also joined Sonowal at this historic occasion.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launched the mission from onboard cruise ship ‘Empress’ here today. The initiative aims to excel India’s vision to become a global hub for cruise tourism and promote the country as the leading global cruise destination. The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases, beginning from 1 October 2024 up to 31 March 2029. The Phase 1 (01.10.2024 – 30.09.2025) will focus on conducting studies, master planning, and forming cruise alliances with neighbouring countries. It will also modernise existing cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to enhance the potential of cruise circuits. The Phase 2 (01.10.2025 – 31.03.2027) will concentrate on developing new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations to activate high-potential cruise locations and circuits. Phase 3 (01.04.2027 – 31.03.2029) will focus on integrating all cruise circuits across the Indian Subcontinent, marking the maturity of the cruise ecosystem while continuing the development of cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.
Key performance targets across the phases include increasing sea cruise passengers from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1 million by Phase 3, with corresponding increases in sea cruise calls from 125 to 500. River cruise passengers will grow from 0.5 million in Phase 1 to 1.5 million by Phase 3. The number of international cruise terminals will expand from 2 in Phase 1 to 10 by Phase 3, while river cruise terminals will increase from 50 to 100. Similarly, marinas will grow from 1 to 5, and employment generated will rise from 0.1 million to 0.4 million by the final phase.
At the launch of Cruise Bharat Mission Shri @sarbanandsonwal, Union Minister, MoPSW cited under the leadership of PM @narendramodi India will become a global hub for cruise tourism. He also said with these initiatives we are building better infrastructure for cruise tourism. pic.twitter.com/K4If9jKfJW
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) September 30, 2024
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ is a watershed moment in the revamp of the cruise sector of India. Under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the government is committed to harness the tremendous potential of Blue Economy of India. Cruise, with its tremendous potential in our country, has remained unexplored for long. With this visionary mission, it is aimed at transforming our maritime landscape and harness the potential of India’s vast coastline and waterways through cruise tourism. Based on critical pillars of infrastructure development, amp up cruise experience for tourists and sustainability of resources, the three phased mission will develop world class infrastructure and enable growth of cruise tourism and maritime trade.”
The mission aims to continuously work towards the development of world-class infrastructure and destinations while leveraging technology to provide a seamless experience for embarkation, disembarkation, and destination visits. It will promote the cultural, historical, and natural circuits of the Indian Subcontinent, ensuring inclusive and equitable growth for all stakeholders, including ports, cruise lines, vessel operators, tour operators, service providers, and local communities. Additionally, the mission will enable the responsible involvement of all regulatory agencies such as Customs, Immigration, CISF, State Tourism Departments, State Maritime Agencies, District Administrations, and local police.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the government has been taking measures that witnessed a remarkable increase of 400% passenger footfall in cruise since 2014. The ‘Cruise Bharat Mission’ will further build on this as it aims to double volume of cruise calls from 254 in 2024 to 500 by 2030 and 1,100 by 2047. We are expecting rise in passengers from 4.6 lakh in 2024 to 5 million by 2047. The mission also aims to create 4 lakhs employment in the cruise sector during this period,” added Sarbananda Sonowal.
The Cruise India Mission targets three key cruise segments. First, the Ocean & Harbour Cruise segment encompasses ocean cruises, including deep-sea and coastal cruises, along with harbour-based yachting and sailing cruises. Second, the River & Inland Cruise segment focuses on river and inland cruises on canals, backwaters, creeks, and lakes. Lastly, the Island Cruise segment highlights inter-island cruises, lighthouse tours, live-aboard experiences, expedition cruises, and boutique cruises to lesser-known destinations.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State, MoPSW, Shri Shantanu Thakur said, “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this mission reflects the commitment of the Government to transform India into a world class hub for cruise tourism. This mission aims at creating sustainable and vibrant ecosystem which will be beneficial for cruise operators, tourists and communities. This visionary mission will power India’s maritime sector which will open new vistas in tourism and harnessing the Blue Economy.”
The mission has identified key initiatives across five strategic pillars. The Sustainable Infrastructure & Capital pillar addresses infrastructure gaps, focusing on developing world-class terminals, marinas, water aerodromes, and heliports, alongside digitalisation (e.g., facial recognition) and decarbonisation (e.g., shore power). It includes creating a National Cruise Infrastructure Masterplan 2047, setting up a cruise-focused SPV under Indian Ports Association (IPA), and establishing a cruise development fund. The Operations Including Technology Enabled pillar aims to streamline operations, ensuring smooth embarkation, disembarkation, and destination visits with a focus on digital solutions such as e-clearance systems and e-visa facilities.
The Cruise Promotion & Circuit Integration pillar focuses on international marketing and investment promotion, including linking cruise circuits, hosting events like the "Cruise India Summit," and forming alliances with neighbouring countries. The Regulatory, Fiscal & Financial Policy pillar is centred on creating tailored fiscal and financial policies, with a focus on tax scenarios, cruise regulations, and the launch of a National Cruise Tourism Policy. Lastly, the Capacity Building and Economic Research pillar emphasizes skill development, creating a Centre of Excellence for cruise-related economic research, and formulating National Occupational Standards to promote youth employment in the cruise industry.
The Cruise Bharat Mission will not only elevate India’s cruise tourism sector but also create lasting opportunities for generations to come.
The event saw participation from key leaders across the cruise industry namely Rahul Narvekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly; Maharashtra; T.K. Ramchandran, Secretary of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India; and Jurgen Bailom, CEO of Cordelia Cruises, including other dignitaries, government officials and stakeholders
Two disabled fishing boats in trouble due to rough weather were safely towed by the PPA tug boat into Paradip harbour. Upon request received from DSP Paradip and AFO Kujang, PPA immediately dispatched Tug Tarini, pilot boat Jagannath and patrol boat Saanvi to rescue. Fishing boats have cleared off their fouled propellers and now safely alongside inside Paradip harbour and will be moving to sea soon.
In alignment with the Special Campaign 4.0 for institutionalizing Swachhata (cleanliness) and reducing pendency, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) is taking comprehensive preparatory steps to ensure these values are embedded into daily operations. The guidelines of the campaign have been shared with all organizations and PSUs under the Ministry’s administrative control. Secretary MoPSW has held multiple review meetings with Ministry officials and the heads of all organizations/PSUs to facilitate campaign readiness and target setting.
During the Preparatory Phase (16th September to 30th September 2024), reviews of pending references and physical and electronic files/records are being conducted across MoPSW and its organizations/PSUs to determine the targets to be achieved during the campaign phase, which runs from 2nd October to 31st October 2024. So far, 164 cleanliness campaigns have been planned, and approximately 21,200 physical and electronic files have been identified for review during this period.
In the previous iteration of the campaign, Special Campaign 3.0, the Ministry achieved substantial progress in reducing the backlog of references from Members of Parliament, State Governments, other Ministries, and the public, as well as clearing Parliamentary Assurances. Approximately 2,12,000 files were reviewed, with around 28,000 files weeded out. Additionally, about 1,18,000 e-files were closed, and 36 rules were simplified. The Ministry generated revenue of Rs. 21.25 crore through scrap disposal, freeing up nearly 72,000 sq. ft. of space.
Regular high-level reviews are being conducted within the Ministry to ensure the successful execution of Special Campaign 4.0.
Paradip Port observed the 47th World Maritime Day With the theme, “Navigating the future: safety first!” Paradip Port observed the 47th World Maritime Day, today. Unlike National Maritime Day, there is no fixed date of celebration of World Maritime Day. But, generally it is celebrated on last week of September every year. It depends on the individual Governments to decide a suitable date for celebration during last week of September and DG Shipping, Govt. of India has decided and directed to celebrate World Maritime Day on 25th September 2024 in India for this year. On this occasion, at PPA, Capt. A .C Sahoo, Dy. Conservator hoisted the World Maritime Day flag at the Marine Site office in presence of HoDs of PPA, other Sr. Officials of Marine Dept. and students of Orissa Maritime Academy. Later on the students participated in an awareness rally in the Port township. In the evening a Seminar was held at Officers’ Club in which Shri M K Mohanta, Marine Engineer and Capt. S S Misra, Pilot deliberated on the topic “Navigating the future: safety first!”
The first celebration of World Maritime Day was done on 17 March 1978 to mark the occasion of enforcing first convention of IMO in 1958 and since then every year, during last week of September, the World Maritime Day is observed globally.
Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, presented an extensive overview of the significant milestones achieved by the Ministry during the first 100 days. The conference was aimed at showcasing the Ministry's contributions toward transforming India’s maritime sector and aligning with the vision of Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047.
The event began with a detailed address by the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, followed by the Minister's remarks, both of which emphasized the Government’s proactive steps in revolutionizing India's maritime infrastructure.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal commenced his address by acknowledging the unwavering guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, whose vision of ‘Ports for Prosperity and Ports for Progress’ has become the cornerstone of India’s maritime transformation. He highlighted that PM Modi’s focus on holistic development and his mantra of ‘Transformation through Transportation’ are leading to a complete overhaul of India’s maritime landscape.
“Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's focus on holistic development and his mantra of 'Transformation through Transportation' are creating a paradigm shift in India’s maritime sector. This Government's commitment to strengthening maritime infrastructure is paving the way for unprecedented economic growth and generating significant employment opportunities across the country. Waterways are becoming the new highways of India.”
He further elaborated on the major initiatives taken by the Ministry under the guidance of PM Modi, highlighting that these are geared toward enhancing port infrastructure, improving ease of doing business, promoting sustainability, and creating employment opportunities.
"After 25 years since the establishment of Kamarajar Port, the addition of Vadhvan Port marks a significant milestone in India's maritime journey, alongside the recent notification of Galathea Bay as a major port. In the next five years, MoPSW projects container handling to reach an impressive 40 million TEUs, creating 2 million job opportunities across the country. JNPA alone will scale up its handling capacity from the current 6.6 million TEUs to 10 million." "Recognizing the strategic importance of shipbuilding and ship repair, the Ministry is developing dedicated clusters in Maharashtra, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Gujarat. We are also allocating more than 3,900 acres in Kandla and VOC Port for the development of hydrogen manufacturing hubs, positioning India as a leader in clean energy. Additionally, we are eagerly looking forward to the upcoming ‘Sagarmanthan: The Great Ocean Conference,’ which will be held in Mumbai this November, further emphasizing focus on ocean sustainability and blue economy growth."
The Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, presented the Ministry's accomplishments, focusing on flagship projects that will enhance India’s maritime capabilities and contribute to overall sector development. He underscored the foundation of Vadhvan Port, India’s first major port project of the 21st century, poised to become one of the largest all-weather deep-water ports with a capacity of 298 MMTPA.
This mega port is expected to create 1.2 million employment opportunities and place an Indian port among the top 10 container ports globally, significantly improving international shipping connectivity and reducing transit times and costs.
Another key project highlighted was the Tuticorin International Container Terminal on the East Coast, which will serve as a major transshipment hub, saving up to USD 200 per container and providing an estimated annual foreign exchange savings of USD 4 million.
The Ease of Doing Business Initiatives introduced several reforms, including the establishment of the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC) to foster policy and operational synergy, the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) to streamline maritime dispute resolutions, and the Sagar Aankalan Guidelines to benchmark port performance, enhancing global competitiveness. Additionally, the commencement of operations at Cochin Shipyard's International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF), equipped with state-of-the-art ship lifts and workstations, positions India as a global leader in the ship repair market.
The Ministry also successfully executed a landmark Deendayal Port Encroachment Drive, reclaiming 200 acres of encroached land for port-led industrial development. The performance of major ports has improved, with traffic increasing by 4.87% in 2024, and Visakhapatnam Port ranking among the top 20 in the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. As part of Greening Initiatives, the Ministry launched the Green Tug Transition Programme and allocated land for green hydrogen projects at Deendayal Port. In cruise tourism, the International Cruise Terminal at Visakhapatnam was operationalized, boosting both domestic and international maritime tourism prospects.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, provided a comprehensive overview of the Ministry’s strategic initiatives. He highlighted key reforms aimed at strengthening maritime infrastructure, driving investment, and enhancing ease of doing business.
“In the first 100 days of this Government, the Ministry has taken bold steps to implement key reforms, such as the establishment of the Indian Maritime Centre and the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre, both of which will bolster India’s standing as a global leader in maritime infrastructure and logistics. We are on track to achieve the ambitious goals of the Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047, which focus on sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity, and improving the ease of doing business”, mentioned Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW.
During the press conference discussions from the 20th Maritime State Development Council Meeting held in September 2024, where the development of mega shipbuilding parks across various states was a focal point was mentioned. Additionally, MoPSW's sanctioning of the Upgradation of Nagapattinam Port Infrastructure project in August 2024 was noted, which aims to launch a passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam (India) and Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka), enhancing regional connectivity, trade, tourism, and economic opportunities.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, outlined the Ministry's upcoming priorities aimed at further enhancing India’s maritime sector. Key initiatives include the commencement of work on the International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay, Great Nicobar Island, which will serve as a major transshipment hub. To strengthen India’s self-reliance in shipbuilding, the Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy will be expanded, along with the establishment of a Maritime Development Fund to boost domestic ship ownership. The Ministry is also set to enhance operational efficiency through digitalization with the EBS portal (Port Operating System), which will go live at five major ports, reducing logistics costs and streamlining operations.
The notification of the Merchant Shipping Bill, incorporating international best practices for vessel safety, marine pollution, and maritime liabilities, was also mentioned, alongside the Coastal Shipping Bill, which seeks to foster a competitive coastal shipping environment, reduce transportation costs, promote Indian vessels, and integrate maritime transport with inland waterways.
On the sustainability front, the Harit Nauka scheme will promote the transition to green fuels for inland vessels, and hydrogen-powered vessels will be manufactured at Cochin Shipyard. Additionally, the Cruise India Mission will be launched to position India as a premier cruising destination, with the operationalization of the Mormugao Port cruise terminal in Goa to accommodate growing domestic and international cruise tourism.
“As we continue our journey under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, we remain committed to transforming India’s maritime sector. With our focus on enhancing infrastructure, ease of doing business, and sustainability, we are driving the country toward becoming a global maritime powerhouse”, added Shri Sonowal.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is resolutely focused on achieving the goals set forth under the Maritime India Vision 2030. The efforts are directed toward ensuring sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and creating employment opportunities that will drive India’s maritime sector to global prominence.
The press conference concluded with a Q&A session, providing a platform for the media to engage directly with both the Minister and the Secretary.
Today, Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri T.K. Ramchandran, led over 400 senior officials and staff members in taking the Swachhata Pledge and making cleanliness a way of life. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, along with its all associated organizations, has launched the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2024 Campaign from 17th September to 2nd October 2024. The campaign is part of a national movement to promote cleanliness under the theme ‘Swabhav Swachhata – Sanskaar Swachhata.’
As part of SHS 2024 campaign, Organizations under the Ministry are undertaking various activities covering all three pillars of the Campaign with participation of officials, students, citizens, NGOs and stakeholders. Mass plantation drive has been initiated by the Organizations carrying forward the message of “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”. Several other activities promoting environmental protection measures and eco-tourism theme are also being undertaken. Beach cleaning, cleaning of nearby areas, cleaning of dock areas, street plays, competitions and marathons promoting the theme of Swachhata are being focussed by the Organizations as part of SHS 2024. Health and welfare camps for Safai Mitras for preventive health care and linkages with various welfare schemes of Government are also being organized.
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) celebrated a night of outstanding achievements and recognition at its "Awards Nite 2024," hosted at the Mayfair Convention in Bhubaneswar. The event, attended by distinguished guests, stakeholders, and key figures from the maritime sector, highlighted Paradip Port’s remarkable progress and set new benchmarks in the Indian maritime industry.
In his address, Chairman of Paradip Port Authority, Shri P.L. Haranadh, expressed his pride in the port’s accomplishments, marking it as a pivotal moment in the port’s 56-year history. For the first time, Paradip Port has emerged as the highest cargo-handling major port in India, surpassing previous records with an impressive cargo throughput of 145.38 million metric tonnes in FY 2023-24. This historic achievement, along with a 25% traffic growth over the past two years, was a key highlight of the evening.
Shri Haranadh highlighted key initiatives, such as reducing idle time at the mechanized coal handling plant and the introduction of simultaneous operations at coal berths. These initiatives have contributed to the port’s ongoing development as a competitive and most efficient hub for maritime operations.
Looking ahead, the Chairman outlined key projects that will expand the port’s capacity and capabilities, including the Western Dock project, which will enable the port to handle fully laden cape vessels by 2026, pushing its capacity beyond 300 million metric tonnes. Paradip Port also aims to achieve 100% berth mechanization by 2030, further solidifying its infrastructure leadership.
In a visionary move towards sustainability, the port is set to become a national hub for green hydrogen and ammonia with a dedicated berth, aligning with India’s green energy ambitions.
Shri Haranadh extended his gratitude to all stakeholders, officers, staff, unions, and partners whose efforts have made Paradip Port’s successes possible. He emphasized that while the port’s achievements are remarkable, they are only the foundation for future growth, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a shared vision for excellence in the global maritime landscape.
The Awards Night 2024 was a celebration of these milestones, honoring the collective efforts of all those involved in Paradip Port’s journey of growth and success. As Paradip Port looks to the future, its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and innovation remains stronger than ever, ensuring it continues to set new standards in the maritime sector. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, PPA offered the vote of thanks.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal dedicated the Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) to the nation at the VO Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) here today. The Union Minister also inaugurated key infra projects as well as laid foundation stones for several initiatives.
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration of Tuticorin International Container Terminal via video message today. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister underlined that today marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation and hailed the new Tuticorin International Container Terminal as the ‘new star of India's marine infrastructure’. Highlighting its role in expanding the capacity of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port, the Prime Minister said, “With a deep draft of more than 14 meters and a berth over 300 meters long, this terminal will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of the V.O.C. port.” The PM further added that the new terminal is expected to reduce logistics costs at the port and save foreign exchange for India. He congratulated the people of Tamil Nadu and recalled several projects related to V.O.C. Port that had been initiated during his visit two years ago. He expressed satisfaction with the rapid completion. He emphasized that one of the terminal's key achievements is its commitment to gender diversity with 40% of its employees being women, symbolizing women-led Development in the maritime sector.
Shri Sonowal also flagged off the maiden Container Vessel from the new TICT terminal marking the beginning of operation for one of significant port infrastructure project in the country. The port has been developed with an investment of more than ₹434 crores, with a capacity to handle 6 lakh TEUs annually. The terminal has a draft of 14.20 meters which allows it to accommodate container vessels of up to 10,000 TEUs.
The Union Minister also inaugurated the newly constructed Green Hydrogen Project, which he dubbed as a ‘major step towards realising PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India global hub of Green Hydrogen’. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also inaugurated a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant as part of the ‘Harit Sagar Green Port Initiative.’ The Union Minister also witnessed exchange of Land Lease Agreements for new ventures as the VOCPA expands its industrial landscape, unlocking huge potential for growth.
PM Modi spoke about India’s broader maritime mission, which extends beyond infrastructure development. “India is showing the world the path to sustainable and forward-thinking development,” he said, pointing out that the V.O.C. Port is being recognised as a Green Hydrogen hub and a nodal port for offshore wind energy. These initiatives will play a significant role in tackling the global challenges of climate change.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “India is on cruise to becoming world’s top marine power. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the marine sector has received tremendous boost to modernise, mechanise and digitise our assets in order to drive efficiency and productivity. Today, this initiative got another shot in the arm as our effort towards providing a smooth & swift service for the trading community lead to the growth of EXIM trade, ultimately contributing to the growth of India’s wealth. This new terminal will reduce delays, bypass transshipment and economise operations by saving upto US$ 200 per container. This will optimise our cost of operation by up to US$ 4 million annually. Completed ahead of schedule, this terminal is a landmark achievement in the First 100 days of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji led NDA Government. Our workforce, which is the backbone of our ports, are very hardworking and I want to commend them for their work. It is heartening to know that this port has been instrumental in creating employment. To recognise the power of Nari Shakti, at least 40% of workforce should be women which will greatly contribute towards inclusive growth.”
The Union Minister also inaugurated various other projects including the upgradation of 22 kV Circuit Breaker Panels at the Red Gate and Oil Jetty Control Rooms, commissioning of 24 High Mast Lights, and a Drone Surveillance System to enhance port safety. The Union Minister also laid foundations stone for the Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project, a 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power Plant, and the Link Conveyor System from Coal Jetty-I to the Coal Stockyard. Additionally, projects like the De-Addiction Centre and awareness artwork at Muthiapuram Bridge were launched under the port’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The Minister witnessed the signing of land lease agreements with major companies, including ACME and Green Infra-Renewable Energy Farms Pvt Ltd, Renew e-Fuels Private Limited, and Amplus Ganges Solar Private Limited. With these initiatives, the drive towards developing sustainable energy in the region will get a major boost, confided Sonowal.
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also launched an ambitions campaign of VOCPA ‘Mission 50’ with an aim to handle 50 million tonnes of cargo by end of this fiscal, i.e., FY2024-25. Sonowal called upon all the workers and stakeholders to lend their best foot forward to realise this goal. The Minister also led a plantation drive at the VOC Orchard, as part of the nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also lauded the VOCPA’s effort to ramp up renewable energy production via the new Green Hydrogen Demonstration Project and the 400 kW Rooftop Solar Power plant. Sarbananda Sonowal exuded confidence when he said, “These initiatives are in line with the vision of our dynamic Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji of transforming India into the global hub of Green Hydrogen. These projects will attract new investments and fuel economic growth while advancing India’s renewable energy objectives.”
On the launch of CSR initiatives, the Minister emphasised the port’s commitment to work for the betterment of the society and give back through various means towards improvement of quality of lives of people. The launch of initiatives like the De-addiction Centre and the Muthiapuram Bridge artwork reflects the port’s commitment to local welfare. “The well-being of communities is integral to national development, and I am pleased to see VOCPA taking steps that will positively impact the lives of people in this region,” Shri Sarbananda Sonowal concluded.
The Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT), the VOCPA port’s third, is operated by JM Baxi Group. It boasts a draft of 14.20 meters, an overall length of 370 meters, and spans 10 hectares, including the berth and backup area. The terminal is equipped to handle 6 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of containers, significantly bolstering the port’s cargo handling capacity.
PPA began the observance of “Swachhta Hi Seva” administering Swachhata Pledge by Shri D.N. Sondhi, F.A & C.A.O, PPA to HoDs and Dy.HoDs at the Portico in front of PPA Administrative Building. Environment Cell of Paradip Port undertook plantation drive under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” at Paradip beach. To make the ongoing Biswakarma Puja festival a Plastic Free event, PPA joined an awareness Rally eco-friendly and plastic free measures in association with Paradeep Municipality. As part of plastic-free movement, reusable cotton bags, biodegradable plates and glasses are being provided by Paradip Saksharata Samiti to all shops and pandals as a perfect eco-friendly alternative for Biswakarma Puja festival essentials.
PPA has already drawn up a detailed Action plan for the period, as part of Swachhta Hi Seva viz., awareness drive among school students in the locality, display of PPA, swachhata awareness hoardings, Swacchata Rath, cleaning of Pump Houses and digital display at important locations in the township, including human chain and street play programmes.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Double Olympic Medal Winner in Shooting, Manu Bhaker, has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways today. The shooting ace, Bhaker, who won Medals in shooting in the recent Summer Olympics held at Paris, is the daughter of a Marine Engineer.
Speaking after the signing, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “It is a moment of great pride for every Indian as well as for every member of India’s maritime sector that Manu Bhaker, the daughter of a proud marine sailor, is now going to champion the marine sector of India as she has been officially signed as the Brand Ambassador of the Ministry today. Bhaker has made every Indian proud when she became the only person from our country to ever win two individual Olympic medals in an Olympics ever. Her achievement as a successful sportsperson stems from the fact that she spent her forming years in a family driven by the values of marine sector - of punctuality, discipline, perseverance and humility. Through her story, we want to reach out to the people of India, especially the youth, to tell them about the promising life that marine sector offers and how one can meaningfully contribute towards Bharat becoming Atmanirbhar by 2047, a wonderful vision of our Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji.”
The Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal also participated in an event to celebrate the vital deeds of women achievers from the maritime sector as well as other fields, which immensely contributed towards nation building. Shri Sonowal specially felicitated Lt Commander Vartika Joshi, First Women’s Skipper, Indian Crew of INSV Tarini; Sonali Banerjee, First Lady Marine Engineer in the history of Indian Mercantile Marine; Captain Teena Joey, General Manager, JM Baxi Group, Chennai Branch; Thulasimathi Murugesan, the winner of Silver Medal in Singles Badminton the Paris Paralympics; Manisha Ramadass, the winner of Bronze medal in Singles Badminton in the Paris Paralympics; and Rupali Raj Joshi, Surveyor, 1 STS Marine Components, Indian Registrar of Shipping, for their invaluable contribution towards nation building. The event was organised by the Chennai Port Authority in collaboration with Kamarajar Port Authority.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Nari Shakti of Bharat has always been a tremendous source of power. Since the days of yore, we have been praying and celebrating the immense power and compassion that Nari Shakti bring to build a prosperous and vibrant society. I am delighted to meet some of the women achievers and felt immensely proud for what they have done for the cause of nation building. The women achievers not only bring a smile to the people, but they also give hope that nothing is impossible. As a human being, we have been blessed by Mother Nature with all the strength and it is upto us how we harness this great natural power towards a positive direction like nation building. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is cruising ahead towards realising the vision of becoming an Atmanirbhar Bharat by 2047. We must do whatever needs to be done to realise this vision. The tales of these wonderful women will inspire scores of women and youth to pursue something that they feel passionate about and is able to make a meaningful contribution. I am sure as their stories are being told, over and again, our objective to power the vision of Modi ji will get another positive push and move us closer to realising the vision.”
Applauding the untiring effort of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to encourage sports, the Paris Paralympics Medal winner Thulasimathi Murugesan said, “I am very happy that our country has been performing well at the Paralympics. From 4 medals in Rio 2016 to 19 in Tokyo Olympics in 2020, to now 29 medals in the Paris Paralympics, this has been a remarkable feat for the athletes. I want to thank our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji who has been steadfast in supporting us, which enabled us to perform well. From necessary nutrition to training, equipment, we have received fantastic support from the Government and I want to thank our Prime Minister for the mental encouragement. Prime Minister Sir’s personal involvement via interaction with the players motivated them to give that extra push. PM Sir also celebrated the success of Paris Paralympics with all the players which encouraged all of us but also future players training to participate in future sporting events.”
Shri Sonowal also participated in the “Swachata Hi Seva 2024” to commemorate the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The drive was conducted after hundreds of employees joined the Minister in taking pledge towards cleanliness and sustainability at the Chennai Port Hospital. More than 400 saplings were also planned by the employees as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.’ More than 500 women participated in the “Harnessing Nari Shakti for the Development of the Nation” programme. The diverse group of participants consisted students from the Indian Maritime University (IMU), AMET University, and the Chennai Port Higher Secondary School apart from Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port.
The event was also attended by TK Ramachandran, Secretary, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW); Dr Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University (IMU); Sunil Paliwal, Chairman, Chennai Port Authority & Chairman, Kamarajar Port Limited; S Vishwanathan, Deputy Chairperson, Chennai Port Authority; JP Irene Canthia, Managing Director, Kamarajar Port Limited; among other senior officials of the ministry.
Paradip Port Authority has been conferred the 'Major Port of the Year - Non Containerised Cargo' award at the 14th All India Maritime and Logistics Award 2024 ceremony held recently at a ceremony held in JW Marriott, Mumbai. This esteemed award was presented by the Chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Counselor General of Israel. Shri Ramakanta Sahoo, Chief Manager (BDTP) received the award. Instituted by Exim India, the aim of MALA 2024 is to recognise and felicitate companies / individuals for their excellence in the field of Maritime and Logistics sector all over India.
Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA commenting on the achievement said that this notable award is bound to inspire and motivate the Team PPA to bring more laurels in coming times.
“First thing I did after coming to Maharashtra was bow my head at the feet of my revered god Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and ask for forgiveness for what happened in Sindhudurg a few days ago”
“Taking inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, we are moving forward rapidly on the resolution of Viksit Maharashtra - Viksit Bharat”
“Viksit Maharashtra is the most important part of the resolution of Viksit Bharat”
“Maharashtra has both the capability and resources required for development”
“Entire world is looking towards Vadhvan Port today”
Dighi Port will become an identity of Maharashtra and a symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dreams
“This is New India. It learns from history and recognizes its potential and pride”
“Success of women in Maharashtra is proof that women power of the 21st century is ready to give a new direction to society”
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects in Palghar, Maharashtra today. The projects of today include laying the foundation stone of Vadhvan Port at a cost of around Rs 76,000 crore, and inauguration and laying the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects worth around Rs 1,560 crore. Shri Modi launched the national rollout of Vessel Communication and Support system at a cost of around Rs 360 crore. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for important fishery infrastructure projects including development, upgradation and modernization of fishing harbours, fish landing centers and construction of fish markets. He handed out transponder sets and Kisan Credit Cards to fishermen beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister began his address by paying tribute to Sant Senaji Maharaj on his punya tithi. Shri Modi spoke from his heart and recalled the time in 2013 when he was nominated for the post of Prime Minister and mentioned visiting the Raigarh Fort as the first thing to pray before the Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He said that he was blessed with the same ‘bhakti bhav’ with which he revered his master and took on the new journey to serve the nation. Referring to the unfortunate incident in Sindhudurg, the Prime Minister underlined that Shivaji Maharaj is not merely a name, a revered king or a great personality but a God. He tendered his humble apology by bowing at the feet of Shri Shivaji Maharaj and said that his upbringing and his culture make him different from those who intend to disrespect the great son of the land, Veer Savarkar, and trample the feeling of nationalism. “People of Maharashtra should remain wary of those who disrespect Veer Savarkar and feel no remorse for it”, the Prime Minister said. Shri Modi underlined that the first thing he did after visiting Maharashtra was to apologize to his God, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He also asked for forgiveness from all those who worship Shivaji Maharaj.
Hailing the day as historic in both the state and the country’s development journey, the Prime Minister said his government has taken major steps for the growth of Maharashtra in the last 10 years as “a Viksit Maharashtra is the most crucial element of the resolution of a Viksit Bharat .” Referring to the state’s historic maritime trade, Shri Modi said the state has the potential and resources to grow due to its coastal proximity, holding immense possibilities for the future. “The Vadhvan Port will be the country's largest container port and will be counted among the world’s deep water ports. It will become an epicenter of trade and industrial development for Maharashtra and India,” he said. The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Palghar, Maharashtra and the entire nation for the Vadhvan Port Project.
Recalling the recent decision by the government to develop the Dighi Port Industrial Area, the Prime Minister said that it is an occasion of double happiness for the people of Maharashtra. He informed that the industrial area will be developed in Raigarh, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire. Therefore, the Prime Minister said, Dighi Port will become an identity of Maharashtra and a symbol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s dreams. He stated that it will encourage tourism and eco-resort.
Congratulating the entire fishermen community, Prime Minister Modi said that foundation stones for projects related to the fishermen worth more than Rs 700 crore have been laid today and projects worth more than Rs 400 crore have also been inaugurated all across the country. He mentioned Vadhvan Port, the development of Dighi Port Industrial Area and multiple schemes for fisheries and said that all development work has been made possible by the blessings of Mata Mahalakshmi Devi, Mata Jivdani and Bhagwan Tungareshwar.
Referring to India’s golden age, the Prime Minister held that there was a time when Bharat used to be counted among the most strong and prosperous nations due to its maritime capabilities. “People of Maharashtra are well-versed in this potential. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took India’s maritime capabilities to new heights with his policies and strong decisions for the development of the country,” Shri Modi said, adding that even the entire East India Company could not stand in front of Darya Sarang Kanhoji Yaganti. The Prime Minister said that the previous governments failed to pay heed to Bharat’s rich past. “This is New India. It learns from history and recognizes its potential and pride”, the Prime Minister remarked, adding that New India is creating new milestones in maritime infrastructure by leaving behind every trace of the shackles of slavery.
The Prime Minister emphasized that development on India's coast has gained unprecedented speed in the last decade. He gave examples of modernizing ports, developing waterways, and efforts to encourage ship-building in India. “Lakhs of crore of rupees have been invested in this direction”, PM Modi highlighted that the results can be witnessed through the doubled handling capacity of most ports in India, an increase in private investments and a significant reduction in the turnaround time of ships. The Prime Minister underlined that it has benefitted the industries and businessmen by bringing the costs down, while new opportunities are being created for the youth. “Facilities for sailors have also increased”, he added.
“Entire world is looking towards Vadhvan Port today”, the Prime Minister said as he highlighted that very few ports in the world can match Vadhvan Port’s depth of 20 meters. He underlined the port would transform the economic landscape of the entire region due to railway and highway connectivity. He mentioned that it would create opportunities for new businesses and warehousing owing to its connectivity to the dedicated Western Freight Corridor and proximity to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. “Cargo will flow in and out of the region throughout the year, thereby benefiting the people of Maharashtra”, he added.
“Development of Maharashtra is a huge priority for me”, PM Modi said, highlighting the gains made by Maharashtra through ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ programs. Noting Maharashtra’s key role in India’s progress, the Prime Minister lamented the efforts by those trying to stall development.
Lamenting the efforts of the previous government for stalling the Vadhvan Port project for almost 60 years, the Prime Minister said that India required a new and advanced port for maritime trade but the work in this direction did not start until 2016. It was only after Devendra Fadnavis came to power that this project was taken seriously and it was decided to create a port in Palghar by 2020. However, the project again got stalled for 2.5 years due to a change in government, he said. The Prime Minister informed that an investment of several lakh crore of rupees is estimated in this project alone and about 12 lakh job opportunities will be created here. He also questioned the previous governments for not allowing this project to proceed.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the fishermen community of India are the most important partner when it comes to ocean-related opportunities. Recalling his conversation with the beneficiaries of the PM Matsya Sampada scheme, the Prime Minister highlighted the transformation of the sector in the last 10 years owing to government schemes and its spirit of service. Informing that India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world, the Prime Minister pointed out that in 2014, 80 lakh tonnes of fish were produced in the country compared to 170 lakh tonnes of fish today. “Fish production has doubled in just 10 years”, he exclaimed. He also stated India's growing seafood exports and gave the example of shrimp export worth more than Rs 40 thousand crore today compared to less than Rs 20 thousand crore ten years ago. “Shrimp export has also more than doubled today”, he added, crediting its success to the Blue Revolution Scheme which helped in creating lakhs of new employment opportunities.
Throwing light on the government’s efforts to boost women's participation in the fisheries sector, the Prime Minister mentioned assisting thousands of women under PM Matsya Sampada Yojna. He spoke about advanced technologies and satellites and mentioned the launch of the Vessel Communication System today which will become a blessing for the fishermen community. Shri Modi declared that the government plans to install 1 lakh transponders on vessels used by fishermen to establish uninterrupted connectivity with their families, boat owners, fisheries department and coast guards. This, the Prime Minister said, will help fishermen communicate in times of emergency, cyclones or any untoward incidents through the help of satellites. “It is the government’s priority to save lives during any emergency”, he assured.
The Prime Minister informed that more than 110 fishing ports and landing centers are being built for the safe return of fishermen's vessels. Giving examples of cold chain, processing facilities, loan schemes for boats and PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, the Prime Minister said that the government is paying more attention to the development of coastal villages while fishermen government organizations are also being strengthened.
The Prime Minister stated that the present government has always worked for those belonging to the backward classes and gave opportunities to the deprived, whereas the policies formed by previous governments always held the fishermen and tribal community at the margins with not even a single department for the welfare of tribal communities in such large tribal-dominated areas in the country. “It is our government which created separate ministries for both fishermen and tribal communities. Today, the neglected tribal areas are availing benefits of PM JanMan Yojana and our tribal and fishermen communities are making a huge contribution towards the development of our country,” Shri Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister lauded the state government for its women-led development approach and said that Maharashtra is laying the path of women empowerment for the nation. Referring to women doing an excellent job in many high positions in Maharashtra, the Prime Minister mentioned Sujata Saunik who is guiding the state administration as Chief Secretary for the first time in the state’s history of the state, DGP Rashmi Shukla leading the state police force, Shomita Biswas leading as the head of the state's Forest Force and Suvarna Kewale handling the responsibility as the head of the state’s Law Department. He also mentioned Jaya Bhagat taking charge as Principal Accountant General of the state, Prachi Swaroop leading the Customs Department in Mumbai and Ashwini Bhide as the MD of Mumbai Metro. Referring to women in Maharashtra in the field of higher education, the Prime Minister mentioned Lieutenant General Dr Madhuri Kanitkar, the Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra Health University, and Dr Apoorva Palkar, the first Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra's Skills University. “Successes of these women are proof that women power of the 21st century is ready to give a new direction to society”, Shri Modi remarked adding that this woman power is the biggest foundation of Viksit Bharat.
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that this government works with the belief of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.’ Shri Modi expressed confidence that the state will reach new heights of development with the help of the people of Maharashtra.
Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C P Radhakrishnan, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Ajit Pawar, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh were present on the occasion among others.
Background
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of Vadhvan Port. The total cost of this project is around Rs 76,000 crore. It aims to establish a world-class maritime gateway that will boost the country’s trade and economic growth by catering to large container vessels, offering deeper drafts, and accommodating ultra-large cargo ships.
Vadhvan Port, located near Dahanu town in Palghar district, will be one of India’s largest deep-water ports and will provide direct connectivity to international shipping routes, reducing transit times and costs. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, the port will feature deep berths, efficient cargo handling facilities, and modern port management systems. The port is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region. The Vadhvan Port project incorporates sustainable development practices with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and adhering to stringent ecological standards. Once operational, the port will enhance India's maritime connectivity and further strengthen its position as a global trade hub.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects worth around Rs 1,560 crore, aimed at bolstering the sector's infrastructure and productivity across the nation. These initiatives are expected to generate more than five lakh employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.
The Prime Minister launched the National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support system at a cost of around Rs. 360 crore. Under this project, 1 lakh transponders will be installed in a phased manner on mechanized and motorized fishing vessels in 13 coastal States and Union Territories. The vessel communication and support system is indigenous technology developed by ISRO, which will help in establishing two-way communication while fishermen are at sea and also help in rescue operations as well as ensure the safety of our fishermen.
Other initiatives inaugurated by the Prime Minister included the development of fishing harbours and Integrated Aquaparks, alongside the adoption of advanced technologies such as the Recirculatory Aquaculture System and Biofloc. These projects will be implemented across multiple states to provide crucial infrastructure and high-quality inputs to enhance fish production, improve post-harvest management, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions involved in the fisheries sector.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for important fishery infrastructure projects including development, upgradation and modernization of fishing harbours, fish landing centers and construction of fish markets. This is expected to provide necessary facilities and hygienic conditions for post-harvest management of fish and seafood.
PM in Palghar
Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of Vadhvan Port on 30th August 2024. The total cost of this project is around Rs. 76,000 crores. It aims to establish a world-class maritime gateway that will boost the country’s trade and economic growth by catering to large container vessels, offering deeper drafts, and accommodating ultra-large cargo ships.
Vadhvan Port, located near Dahanu town in Palghar district, will be one of India’s largest deep-water ports and will provide direct connectivity to international shipping routes, reducing transit times and costs. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and infrastructure, the port will feature deep berths, efficient cargo handling facilities, and modern port management systems. The port is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, stimulate local businesses, and contribute to the overall economic development of the region. The Vadhvan Port project incorporates sustainable development practices, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and adhering to stringent ecological standards. Once operational, the port will enhance India's maritime connectivity and further strengthen its position as a global trade hub.
Prime Minister will also inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects worth around Rs 1,560 crores, aimed at bolstering the sector's infrastructure and productivity across the nation. These initiatives are expected to generate more than five lakh employment opportunities in the fisheries sector.
Prime Minister will launch the National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support system at a cost of around Rs. 360 crores. Under this project, 1 lakh transponders will be installed in a phased manner on mechanised and motorised fishing vessels in 13 coastal States and Union Territories. The vessel communication and support system is indigenous technology developed by ISRO, which will help in establishing two-way communication while fishermen are at sea and also help in rescue operations as well as ensure safety of our fishermen.
Other initiatives to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister include the development of fishing harbours and Integrated Aquaparks, alongside the adoption of advanced technologies such as the Recirculatory Aquaculture System and Biofloc. These projects will be implemented across multiple states and will provide crucial infrastructure and high-quality inputs to enhance fish production, improve post-harvest management, and create sustainable livelihoods for millions involved in the fisheries sector.
Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for important fishery infrastructure projects including development, upgradation and modernization of fishing harbours, fish landing centres and construction of fish markets. This is expected to provide necessary facilities and hygienic conditions for post-harvest management of fish and seafood.
PM in Mumbai
Prime Minister will address a Special Session of Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024. GEF is being jointly organised by the Payments Council of India, the National Payments Corporation of India and the Fintech Convergence Council. Around 800 speakers, including policymakers, regulators, senior bankers, industry captains, and academicians, from India and various other countries will address more than 350 sessions in the conference. It will also showcase the latest innovations of the fintech landscape. Over 20 thought leadership reports and white papers will be launched at GFF 2024, offering insights, and in-depth industry information.
National Sports Day observed by Paradip Port Sports Council on today at Gopabandhu Stadium. This date commemorates the birth Anniversary of Legendary HockeyWizard, Major Dhyan Chand, who is regarded as one of the greater Hockey players in History. This day is dedicated to promoting awareness about the importance of sports and physical fitness in daily life.
During the observation, Shri D.N. Sondhi, President, Shri D.P. Sethy, Working President & Sri R.R. Beura, Secretary, Paradip Port Sports Council expressed to the gathering on the importance of National Sports Day. Among others, Sri Sanjaya Kumar Das, Volley Ball Coach, Smt. Itishree Mohanty, Joint Secretary, Sri Dhuna Charan Tarai, Joint Secretary and all the Technical members and staff of Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad & Players were present on the occasion.
New Delhi, 28th August 2024: In a breakthrough, aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bipartite Wage Negotiation Committee (BWNC) and the Indian Port Association (IPA), averting an indefinite strike that was set to disrupt operations across 12 major ports in India, through the timely intervention of the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
The MoU facilitates the revision of the wage structure and addresses other service conditions, including pensionary benefits. It was agreed that the fitment benefit of 8.5% on the aggregate amount of basic pay as of 31-12-2021, plus 30% VDA as of 1-1-2022, shall be granted. The periodicity of the settlement is set for five years, from 1-1-2022 to 31-12-2026. The new pay scales, effective from 1-1-2022, will be formulated according to existing practices.
Both parties agreed to consider aligning the periodicity of future wage revisions for both officers and employees, starting from 1-1-2027, to avoid any potential anomalies.
Additionally, a special allowance of Rs. 500 per month will be provided to working employees during the operative period of the settlement, from 1-1-2022 until 31-12-2026, or until the date of the employee’s superannuation, whichever comes first.
On the successful resolution, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said, “This agreement marks a significant step forward in ensuring fair and equitable treatment for our port workers, who are the backbone of the Indian maritime sector. The timely resolution of these issues reflects MoPSWs commitment to foster a harmonious and productive working environment across all Indian ports.”Shri Sonowal also commended both the workers federations and the IPA for their constructive approach to these negotiations.
A drafting committee meeting, scheduled to convene on 28-8-2024, will prepare the settlement within ten days. This committee will include one representative from each federation, as well as management representatives appointed by the Chairman of IPA. The management assured that the BWNC proceedings will be concluded, with the final settlement reached within 15 days.Considering this development, the six federations have unanimously decided to defer the strike previously planned for 28 August 2024.
The six federations also expressed their appreciation to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal for his timely intervention and continuous guidance in resolving the protracted wage negotiations.
On 23 August 2023, India achieved a historic milestone when the Chandrayaan-3 lander successfully completed a soft landing on the Moon. This remarkable accomplishment made India the 4th country to accomplish this feat and the 1st to land on the lunar South Pole. In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has declared August 23 as National Space Day.
Accordingly National Space Day with the theme “Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga” to honour and take pride in our collective achievements was organised by Paradip Port Authority.
Paradip Port, as a part of celebration of National Space Day, organised series of activities. Drawing & Essay writing competitions were held among local school students, where they dove into creativity and explored the cosmos. A fancy dress competition on space theme was conducted among the kids of 'V' point KG school. PPA Secretary, Shri U.R Mohan Raju encouraged the enthusiastic students and awarded them with prizes and certificates.
On the occasion of National Space Day, students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Paradip port enthusiastically participated in various forms of activities. There were speeches by various students stating the importance of the day. Power point was shown encasing the future course of action of ISRO. Models were showcased of CHANDRAYAAN-3 and various students have brought the chart paper by doing the diagrams of the space day.
Phase 1 of the GTTP will begin on October 1, 2024, and continue until December 31, 2027.
The program is expected to involve an investment of around INR 1000 Crores in building these green tugs.
The Green Tug Transition Program is a pivotal initiative towards realizing our vision of a sustainable and green maritime sector in India: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
GTTP aims at replacement of existing diesel-powered tugs with zero-emission tugs.
The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal officially launched the SOP for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) today in New Delhi. This landmark initiative is set to drive the transition from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives, marking a major step in India's commitment to environmental sustainability and the advancement of its maritime sector.
The Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) as a key initiative under the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’. The program, announced on May 22, 2023, by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, during the ‘Chintan Shivir’ event, marks a significant step towards decarbonizing maritime operations in India. The GTTP is designed to phase out conventional fuel-based harbour tugs operating in Indian Major Ports and replace them with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternate fuels. Phase 1 of the GTTP will begin on October 1, 2024, and continue until December 31, 2027. During this phase, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—will procure or charter at least two green tugs each, based on standardized designs and specifications issued by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC). The program is expected to involve an investment of around INR 1000 Crores in building these green tugs. The first set of tugs will be battery-electric, with provisions for adopting other emerging green technologies such as hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen as the industry evolves.
Speaking on the launch, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “The Green Tug Transition Program is a pivotal initiative towards realizing our vision of a sustainable and green maritime sector in India. This program not only aligns with our environmental goals but also strengthens our commitment to ‘Make in India,’ promoting domestic innovation and manufacturing in the maritime industry.”
‘The GTTP will be a major boost to the domestic tug industry, with all tugs built under this program constructed in Indian shipyards as part of the Government of India's ‘Make in India’ initiative. The program is also expected to create significant employment opportunities in shipbuilding and ship design, mentioned Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW.
By the end of 2040, all tugs operating in Indian Major Ports are envisioned to transition to green tugs, ensuring a standardized, eco-friendly fleet across the country. Furthermore, beyond 2033, any new tug built in India for use in Indian ports will need to comply with the ASTDS-GTTP standards.
The Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030), launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2020, outlines key strategies to enhance India’s maritime sector, aiming to make it a global leader in safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. This vision includes ambitious targets such as sourcing 60% of each major port’s power demand from renewable energy and achieving a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 2030. Building on this, the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, introduced in 2023, sets a specific goal for Major Ports to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030. Harbor tugs, vital for port operations like berthing, unberthing, and ship assist functions, are ideal candidates for adopting green technologies, such as electric propulsion and alternative fuels, which can significantly cut emissions while maintaining operational efficiency.
The GTTP reflects the Government's broader commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime sector, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future for India’s ports and maritime operations.
Honoured with a ‘Phoolam Gamusa’, the Olympic Champion was handed over a cheque of ₹10 lakhs from Indian Ports Association (IPA).
Shri Sonowal also felicitated the Bhaker’s Mother & Father- a Seafarer by profession.
‘Go Big, then Go Home,’ said Manu Bhaker while sharing her thoughts with Young Seafarers; championed pushing beyond limit.
‘Manu Bhaker, with her tremendous achievements, has not only made our nation proud, but has inspired next generation, including young seafarers’: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal.
The Double Bronze Medalist of Paris Olympics, 2024, Manu Bhaker, was felicitated by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal on behalf of the entire seafarer’s community in Delhi today. Bhaker who is the daughter of a seasoned seafarer, was felicitated with a Phoolam Gamusa, a model ship and a cheque of ₹10 lakhs, from Indian Ports Association (IPA), in recognition of her outstanding feat of being the only Indian to win two Bronze medals in a single Olympics. Manu Bhaker also interacted with young seafarers among others. The champion shooter shared how she imbibed the values of discipline, dedication and focus after being raised in a seafarer’s family. Sonowal also felicitated the Bhaker’s mother - Sumedha Bhaker - and her father - Ram Kishan Bhaker. Bhaker works as a Chief Engineer on a merchant navy ship.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “The phenomenal achievement of Manu Bhaker at the Paris Olympics signifies her perseverance and relentless strive towards excellence. She represents the undying spirit of India’s youth aspirations to aim for greatness and with a morale to achieve it. Manu Bhaker is an inspiration to all of us, especially for our young seafarers, as she rightly identified how she imbibed the values of discipline, dedication and focus from her family and during her growing up years amidst the seafarer’s community. Her words of inspiration for our young seafarers will boost their resolve to aim and strive for excellence in their chosen field of profession.”
Speaking on the occasion, Manu Bhaker said, “I have fond memories of sailing on ships during summer holidays with my father, mother and brother. Those journeys were more than just vacations as it enriched me with learnings from different languages, cultures, and ways of life. I struggled many challenges along the way, but they only strengthened my resolve. I believe in pushing beyond limits - ‘Go big, then Go Home.’ It is about giving your all, knowing that the journey itself is as important as the destination, something, I think, that is intrinsic to seafarers community as any seafarer could relate to it.”
Adding further, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the government has undertaken many programmes to infuse spirit of excellence and curate an ecosystem for sports to prosper and deliver stupendous performance at the global level. This has helped many of our athletes. Modi govt’s unwavering commitment to celebrate and promote excellence in sports shall continue, recognising the invaluable contributions of athletes and maritime professionals in advancing the nation's growth and development. I must thank Manu Bhaker ji for her recent performance at the Olympics as she becomes the only player to win two medals in the 10 Meters Air Pistol event. I also thank the parents of Manu Bhaker ji for their support in honing the wonderful skill that their daughter has honed to win laurels for the country. She is going to win many more medals for the country as she has the ability, potential, vision, dedication, devotion, commitment and hard work to shine again and again. For Manu ji, our country is and will always be proud of her.”
The event was also graced by the Secretary, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), TK Ramachandran; the Joint Secretary, MoPSW, R Lakshmanan; the Chairman, Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Vijay Kumar among others.
78th Independence Day was celebrated by the Paradip Port Authority filled with patriotic fervour, flag hoisting and cultural events. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Harandh, Chairman, PPA hoisted the National Flag.
Addressing the occasion, he said that Paradip Port Authority cargo throughput zoomed past 50 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) mark in current fiscal by the end of July. After a spectacular last fiscal, PPA has made an auspicious beginning to FY 24-25 and total cargo volume has reached 50.16 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) within the first four months (122 days), which is the fastest ever in PPA history. Paradip Port's competitive port tariffs undoubtedly play a significant role in attracting business, but there are several other factors like ease of doing business initiatives, various system improvement measures and ecosystem of efficiency at the Port, which make it the preferred port among the business community for moving EXIM cargo.
PPA pilots have successfully carried out first ever STS operation at NOJ of Paradip port to transfer of special grade diesel on 24.07.2024. They have been successful in handling Ammonium nitrate vessel through Mediterranean mooring method, which is the first of its kind in Indian Port history. The Port has ambitious plans to expand its capacity to 400 MMTPA by 2030 and 500 MMTPA by 2047. As a part of this augmentation exercise, Port will commission two new berths in northern dock, one berth in Southern dock and one green berth by 2030. Apart from this 4 semi mechanised berths also will be mechanised by 2030, thus upgrading the port to a level of >80% mechanisation.
The Western Dock project, with 25 MMTPA capacity is progressing rapidly and we will be able to complete the project much before the target date of 2028. With the completion of this project, port will be enabled to handle Cape Vessels, thus reducing the cost of logistics of our customers substantially.
To develop Paradip Port as a Green Port, one hydrogen berth is proposed to be constructed near South Break Water. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paradip Port has been identified as one of the Major Ports to be developed as a hydrogen hub. Plans are underway for the development of port facilities, with a focus on hydrogen adoption and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol as propulsion fuel for ships.
Paradip Port has tremendous potential for diversification and growth, particularly in the container segment.
The commencement of container services by major shipping liners like MSC, RCL facilitating direct connectivity to the Ports of Colombo and port Klans, is a big leap in operationalisation of Container traffic.
Additionally, the completion of the Multimodal Logistics Park being developed by CONCOR will further boost container traffic through our port. There are also plans for facilitating setting up of two MDC CFSs in the region.
As part of Corporate Environmental Responsibility, Paradip Port is focusing on environmental protection and mitigation of pollution.
Every year the port is adding one lakh plants to the environment of Paradip and now we are able to create an urban forest in this locality.
Under CSR, for the first time
Comprehensive Health Check-up of all contractual workers, those who are engaged directly as well as through manpower contract/from outsourced agencies started w.e.f dt. 09.12.2023. 1344 Nos. of contractual employees availed the health check-up facility. We will make it mandatory to work in Paradip Port to ensure better health condition of all workers.
Paradip Port is building a Housing Complex of high rise eight storey buildings of modern living standards. Phase I work has already been started and it is slated for completion in the beginning of 2026. To meet the demand of drinking water in Port Township, we are constructing a new reservoir as well as a new water treatment plant. The work for which has already been started.
Thereafter, Shri Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. ASI, Fire, Shri H.H. Das who will be conferred President’s Police Medal for distinguished services was specially felicitated by the Chairman, PPA. Later on he awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents.
Later on Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA inaugurated & hoisted Tricolour atop 100 ft Giant Mast which waves in the open area in front of Admin Building of PPA. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman along with other HoDs graced the occasion.
Coinciding with Independence Day celebrations. Jagannath Lalita Kala Sansad, the Cultural Wing of PPA organized a Poets’ Meet on Patriotic theme at Officers’ Club. An exhibition Football match was held in the afternoon between Paradip Port team and Harsina Football Team, Kujang. In the evening, inter-school dance competitions on patriotic themes were held among school children at Biju Convention Centre. The winners were awarded by Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA.
Paradip Port Authority cargo throughput zoomed past 50 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) mark in current fiscal. After unforgettable last fiscal, PPA has made an auspicious beginning to FY 24-25 and total cargo volume has reached 50.16 MMT (Million Metric Tonnes) within the first four months, which is the fastest ever in PPA history. In the current fiscal, the coveted mark was achieved 8 days in advance compared to last year and the Port has clocked an incremental growth of 5.16 % in comparison to corresponding period of previous fiscal. Coal cargo which constitutes a major chunk of cargo volume has reached 23.11 MMT exhibiting a growth of 6.72% over the corresponding period of the previous fiscal. Iron ore and pellets have reached 9 MMT showing a growth of 20.74% and container cargo has grown by 85.07% over the same period.
Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA has expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Union Minister of MoPSW, Shri Sarbananda Sonowalji for his leadership and guidance from time to time. Commenting on the record achievement, Shri Haranadh said, "Team PPA, with utmost dedication and meticulous planning has made the enhanced target look easy. The way, the team has contributing, I am confident that PPA will surpass 150 MMT Cargo throughput mark in the current fiscal.
On his maiden visit to Paradip Port Authority, Shri T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW was accorded Guard of Honour by the CISF, PPA contingent at the Wet Basin. Later, Shri Ramachandran reviewed the functioning of the PPA in the Board Room of the Administrative Building and interacted with HoDs & Dy.HoDs. Appreciating the Ease of doing business measures undertaken by PPA, he hoped that PPA will conquer new landmarks in coming years. During his visit, under CSR programs of PPA, financial assistance was provided to CIPET for skill development of educated youth of Odisha.
Thereafter, several inauguration/laying of foundation stones of different projects were taken up. First, he laid foundation stone of the proposed Marine Museum at Paradip. Then he inaugurated the proposed Trauma and Burn Care (TBC) Centre in the newly constructed Annex building of Paradip Port Hospital. TBC Centre has been constructed at a cost of Rs.2.90 Crores and shall be a dedicated centre to provide curative and rehabilitative service for trauma and burn victims in and around Paradip.
Thereafter, he laid foundation stone of Water Treatment Plant of PPA which is being constructed at a cost of Rs.10.50 Crores. The plant will receive raw water through Taldanda Canal and this Water Treatment Plant will enhance the water infrastructure of Paradip Port and will supply quality drinking water to the citizens of Port Township. The plant will have the capacity to filter 16 Million liters of water per day. The project is expected to be completed by December, 2024.
Shri T. K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inspected and intrinsically reviewed the port operation, planning and expansion at Mechanized Coal Handling Plant, Twin Wagon Tipplers at JSWPTPL and KICT silos. He suggested system improvement measures for increasing productivity.
Smt. B.V. Sathyavathy, W/o Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways attended different women oriented programmes as Chief Guest along with President, Paradip Ladies Club Smt. P. Girija Sundari, organised by the social arm of PPA i.e. Paradip Saksharata Samiti at Officers’ Club.
Paradip port has done first ship-to-ship Special grade diesel oil transfer from MV Orkim Fortitude to empty tanker MV Torm Republican at its North Oil Jetty inside Harbour area to save on shipping costs as the entity looks at innovative ways as a pivot to boost business. Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh and Dy.Chairman, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta have congratulated Team PPA for this stupendous achievement. A symbolic cake cutting was done by Chairman, PPA to celebrate the success.
Ship to ship (STS) is a critical operation carried out in the absence of shore reception and enables transfer of cargo seamlessly crossing the difficulties. In Paradip Port, the flexibility of doing STS both at outside anchorage and within harbour is explored as due to unfavorable weather conditions at anchorage, the STS was done inside Harbour. This has opened new dimensions in the operability of the Port and added yet another feather in the cap. All these were done by in-house Pilot of PPA supported by Marine and Traffic teams.
Budget will significantly enhance India's shipping, cruise, shipbuilding, and ship repair industry, creating new job opportunities and boosting exports: Shri Sonowal.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said the Budget is strongly grounded on the development of Garib, Mahilayen, Yuva and Annadata and provides the roadmap for renewed and holistic growth. In a social media post Shri Sonowal extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting this visionary document, which places a huge emphasis on employment, skill development, MSMEs, agriculture and investment-led economic growth.
Shri Sonowal said he was certain that the four themes and nine priorities identified in the Budget will be welcomed by all sections of society. He said the Budget will also significantly enhance India's shipping, cruise, shipbuilding, and ship repair industry, creating new job opportunities and boosting exports. He said under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji's visionary leadership, we are moving full steam ahead towards elevating India's stature as a global maritime powerhouse.
Paradip Port Authority Hospital in association with Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Bhubaneswar organized a Cancer Screening Camp for head & neck, breast & cervix for PPA staff & employees, as well as general public below poverty line, as part of community outreach. Shri U R Mohan Raju, Secretary, PPA inaugurated the camp in presence of Dr. B B Das, CMO, PPA & other HoDs of PPA and members of Paradip Ladies Club. Local women were sensitized about the causes of breast as well as cervical cancer, the social stigma, importance of self-examination & the need for early detection and treatment . its symptoms. 67 nos. of people were examined on the occasion. 14 nos. of PAP Smear were collected for microscopic examination. 36 nos. in cervix & 17 nos. for oral were evaluated. PPA has declared assistance to the ladies to get evaluated at Higher Centre. Speaking on the occasion, CMO, PPA assured help to the marginalized sections of women in the society with more such camps in future. Timely noble step of PPA was welcomed by the denizens of the Paradip Port Township.
Administrative Department of Pardip port Authority conducted cleaning programme at JAGRUTY, a school of physically and mentally challenged children, with the help of Paradip Ladies Club, Paradip Sakharata Samiti and Paradeep Municipality, under the guidance of Shri U. R. Mohan Raju, Secretary, PPA. The Officials and employees of Admn Deptt. joined the cleanness drive. Commenting about the Swachhata drive, Secy, PPA said that Cleanliness is not just a transient allegiance, but it is a way of life for realising a dream of clean and green society. Today’s programme is yet another remarkable initiative for a cleaner and healthier environment for the young children.
Indian Delegation Highlights Abandonment Crisis and Secures Membership in Key Working Group.
India Showcases Maritime Security Excellence and Proposes Innovative Regional Centre for Sustainable Maritime Transport.
India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT).
India’s participation in the IMO Council session underscores dedication to international maritime cooperation and innovation: Shri TK Ramachandran The A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri T.K. Ramachandaran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is participating in the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London. India, an elected member of the IMO Council in the category of countries with the largest interest in international seaborne trade, emphasized the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment. The delegation pointed out that despite efforts, there are currently 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers. India's strong stance on the need for effective measures and oversight to resolve such issues was well received.
In recognition of its continued commitment to addressing seafarers' issues, India secured its position as one of the eight governments representing IMO in the Joint Tripartite Working Group. This group is dedicated to identifying and tackling seafarers' issues and the human element in maritime operations. Other proposed members include the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US, and France.
Shri T.K. Ramachandaran stated, "India remains deeply committed to addressing the issue of seafarer abandonment and ensuring the safety and welfare of our maritime workforce. India’s participation in the IMO Council session underscores dedication to international maritime cooperation and innovation. The establishment of the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport is a testament to India's leadership in promoting environmentally sustainable and technologically advanced maritime practices. We look forward to collaborating with global partners to drive positive change in the maritime sector."
The Indian delegation also addressed concerns over disruptions in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjoining areas, which have been impacting shipping and trade logistics. Highlighting India's commitment to maritime safety and security, the delegation cited two significant incidents where the Indian Navy successfully intervened. These included the rescue of a Marshall Island-flagged crude oil carrier, MV Marlyn Luanda, and the interception of the vessel MV Ruen off the coast of Somalia, ensuring the safety of crew members and handling piracy threats effectively.
Furthermore, India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT). This regional hub aims to transform the maritime sector in India and South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and digitally proficient industry. The centre will focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, fostering technical cooperation, capacity-building, and digital transition. India's leadership in evolving the SACE-SMarT in collaboration with the IMO's global Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs) was highlighted as a significant step towards sustainable maritime development.
The 132nd session of the IMO Council, which commenced on July 8, 2024, will continue until July 12, 2024, addressing various critical issues and proposals for the future of global maritime operations.
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has marked a momentous achievement, clocking an unprecedented 41.12 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of cargo handling within the first 100 days of the fiscal year 2024-25. This remarkable performance sets a new record in the Port’s history, demonstrating a 4.78 per cent growth compared to the 39.25 MMT achieved during the same period in the previous fiscal, i.e. FY24.
This achievement not only underscores the port’s critical role in bolstering India’s Maritime infrastructure but also reflects its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.
Under the dynamic leadership and visionary guidance of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, the PPA has successfully surpassed its previous benchmarks, showcasing significant growth and efficiency in its operations.
PPA Chairman P.L. Haranadh expressed his deep gratitude to the for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister, attributing this monumental success to his unwavering support and strategic direction.
“The exceptional performance of Paradip Port Authority in the first 100 days of FY 2024-25 is a testament to our team’s relentless dedication and hard work,” said Haranadh. “We are deeply thankful to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji for his continued leadership and guidance, which has been instrumental in achieving this feat,” he added.
The Paradip Port Authority continues to set new benchmarks in cargo handling, contributing significantly to the Nation’s economic growth and development.
Combined multi agency mega coordination Mock Drill in collaboration with stakeholders, Mutual Aid Responders, District Authority & NDRF 3rd BN. Mundali was organized by CISF Unit, PPA at the main fire station of the Port. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman was Guest of Honour. Site level - III emergency scenario based on collapsed structure search and rescue took place at Marine offshore store near Signal station which occured due to cyclonic storm as thunderstorm struck the workshop which then followed by explosion due to LPG cylinder blast.
CISF Fire wing reciprocated and mitigated the primary crisis of firefighting and evacuation promptly followed by search and rope rescue and CSSR cum Victim Management. State Fire and Hospital services, district administration and police mutual aid partners IFFCO, PPL, Paradip Refinery and Pipeline, JSW, KICT & IOCL cum BPCL Terminal, and other Stakeholders participated in this sensitization Mock Drill.
Representatives of District Disaster Management Authority as well as Harbour Master and Addl. Assistant Director Dock Safety and representatives of State Fire service, IOCL Pipeline, IOCL Refinery, IFFCO, PPL,, IOCL Terminal, BPCL Terminal, HPCL Terminal, KICT, PICT remained present as Guests of Honor cum observers and also their response units participated in the onsite emergency Mock drill in respect of which tabletop exercise was carried out last evening at the main fire station building of Paradip Port in which Asst. Commandant 3rd NDRF BN. Shri Gaurav Jagnani addressed and briefed Stakeholders about the importance of resource mapping. Chairman, Shri P.L. Haranadh expressed gratitude to NDRF for their spontaneous response and active participation and assured to implement recommendations of observers. Commandant Shri Akashat Patel gave emphasis on Gap analysis and appreciated the rope rescue and CSSR Management mechanism. Dy.Commadant, Fire, Shri Bishnuswaroop offered vote of thanks. The program was coordinated by CC Fire wing Shri Bhaskar Das and fire prevention in charge Shri Amresh Kumar.
Keeping the momentum of making the Port area clean and green, a State of the art Conveyorised Mechanised Road Sweeping Machine was inaugurated at Gate No. 3 of Paradip Port by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, in presence of Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman & other HoDs. It will ply on arterial & sub arterial roads of Port prohibited area and collect the dust and wet lumps debris from these roads. The robust design will help the road sweeping machine to function in the toughest cleaning conditions.
Overnight monsoon rains could not dampen the spirit of team PPA as they practiced YOGA on the Chilika Lake side led by Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority on the occasion of 10th International Day of Yoga . Shri Haranadh inaugurated the event by lighting the lamp. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta , Dy. Chairman, PPA, Shri U. R Mohan Raju, Secretary, Capt. A. C. Sahu, Dy. Conservator, Shri H.S Rout, Chief Engineer and Dr. B.B . Dash, CMO also graced the occasion. Yoga perfectly captures the essence of this ancient practice.
Shri Tapas Ranjan Pati, experienced faculty of the Art of Living conducted the Yoga session. PPA officials, students and Women joined the yoga session. The participants also virtually watched live telecast of IDY 2024 from Srinagar, where Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga where he emphasised yoga's global impact on health and societal harmony.
Of late, the practice of Yoga has emerged as one of the most powerful way to ensure our holistic well being. The CISF Unit of PPA conducted the Yoga demonstration at Paradip Beach. On the occasion of IDY, Paradip Saksharata samiti, the social arm, PPA conducted Yoga session with local school students from Port Trust High School, DAV Public School, Paradip, Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir and Twinkle Twinkle School. Banners, Hoardings, Electronic Display Boards and Selfi point highlighted the significance of the observation of International Day of Yoga to build awareness among the local populace.
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal joined the 10th International Day of Yoga celebration with hundreds of health enthusiasts in Tinsukia, Assam along with Assam Minister Shri Sanjoy Kishan and colleagues. Shri Sonowal said Yoga enriches the mind, body and spirit. It has for millennia given the gift of wellness to humanity & in the last 10 years led by the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has become a global mass movement. He said let's adopt Yoga as a daily habit to better our lives.
Glad to join the 10th International Day of Yoga celebration with hundreds of health enthusiasts in Tinsukia along with Assam Minister Shri Sanjoy Kishan and colleagues. Yoga enriches the mind, body and spirit. It has for millennia given the gift of wellness to humanity & in the… pic.twitter.com/UBCcaWIX7G
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) June 21, 2024
📌 Tinsukia, Assam Live: Yoga healing the 🌏. Joining the International Day of Yoga celebrations. #YogaForSelfAndSociety#IDY2024 https://t.co/nk5VKCdmgF
Shri Sonowal said Yoga transcends boundaries and is the beacon of good health and wellness for humanity. He said let's together bring Yoga into our lives for the betterment of society.
Shipping Ministry officials led by Secretary Shri T.K. Ramachandran participated in Yoga Session at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi.
A Yoga Session was held at the Central Lawn of Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, on the occasion of #InternationalDayofYoga. The session was graced by the presence of Anurag Jain, IAS, Secretary @MORTHIndia & T.K. Ramachandran, IAS, Secretary, MoPSW & other members of the ministry. pic.twitter.com/rE7UDfHhZ1
— Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (@shipmin_india) June 21, 2024
Paradip Port Authority is developing an alternative road connectivity from National Highway & State Highway to port township. As part of this, last leg 4 lane connectivity to PPA Administrative Building was inaugurated by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman today. HoDs & other Sr. Officials also graced the occasion. This will ease out congestion to Port township & also help in emergency evacuation. It will also help in avoiding congestion in front of Kendriya Vidyalaya during school hours.
The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Shri Shantanu Thakur, MoS took charge of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways on 10 th June in New Delhi. Addressing the office bearers as well as the staff, the ministers evoked confidence in the team for delivering goals and objectives with a vision to serve the people of this country. Shri Sonowal reiterated that the commitment towards serving this country to become Viksit Bharat must be absolute and called upon his team to sustain their good work towards this end.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, said, “Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways have been doing some stupendous work towards empowering maritime sector and its holistic development in our endeavour to become an economic powerhouse. We will continue to commit ourselves to the cause of nation building with the intent of Nation First as we move ahead towards achieving the ultimate goal of Viksit Bharat. Our ministry will continue to work towards empowering the maritime sector towards holistic development as envisioned in the Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047
Inaugural Friendly Invitation Cup Badminton tournament organised by Paradip Badminton Association was successfully conducted on 9th June 2024 at Paradip Port Authority Officers' Club.The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of players showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship.
With 34 players divided into 4 groups, the tournament featured intense matches in various categories, including Open Singles, Veteran Singles, Open Doubles, Veteran Doubles etc. From Bokaro steel plant 3 teams, Rourkela steel plant 2 teams, 1 team from SAIL office and 11 teams from Paradip Badminton Association joined the proceedings.
The event was graced by the presence of SAIL ED Logistics Shri Subash Kumar Das & Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Traffic, PPA, who presented the awards and expressed his admiration for the players' commitment & sportsmanship. In the final match played by Bokaro vs Paradip, Bokaro Steel Plant emerged as the overall.
With the theme Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, World Environment Day 2024 was observed at Paradip Port Authority. A mass plantation drive was conducted at GC Colony. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA along with Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA planted saplings.
Other HoDs of PPA, colony inhabitants & volunteers of Paradip Saksharata Samiti, the social arm of PPA also planted saplings. Later, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA flagged off walkathon on greenery development in the locality by PSS volunteers and PPA garden workers.
Paradip Port Authority cargo throughput has zipped past 25 MMT mark in current fiscal. After unforgettable last fiscal, PPA has made an auspicious beginning to FY 24-25 and total cargo volume has reached 25.44 MMT till 1st June, 2024, which is the fastest ever in PPA history.
Commenting on the record achievement, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA said, "Team PPA has exhibited unwavering commitment to steer the strategic direction of our Port and oversight to Management has been pivotal in achieving our organizational goals. This has undoubtedly contributed to our Port’s stellar performance so far in 2024."
The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) observed the Opening Ceremony of the National Fire Service Week on 15th of April. The National Fire Service Day is observed every year on 14th of April to pay homage to the brave Firemen and Officers who lost their lives in Bombay Dock Explosion on April 14, 1944 and on subsequent occasions.
A massive Fire Safety Awareness Drive is being conducted w. e. f. 1st April to 20th April this year under the direction of Chairman, Paradip Port Authority so as to educate the Port Workers and stake holders as well as local public and school children about Fire Hazard, Fire Prevention and Fire-fighting. The theme for the year 2024 is:
“Ensure Fire Safety to contribute towards nation building”
The Opening Ceremony was held at the Main Fire Station of CISF Fire Wing. Shri P L Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman PPA was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Addressing the gathering he stressed on creating fire safety awareness among stakeholders and congratulated CISF, FIRE Wing of PPA for bagging the runners up trophy recently in the Country amongst a total of 114 Fire Wing Units.
At the outset, CISF Commandant Shri Akshat Patel welcomed the invitees and presented the annual report. At the end, Deputy Commandant/Fire Shri Bishnu Swarup presented vote of thanks to all dignitaries and invitees.
The event was conducted by Company Commander Fire Wing Inspector Bhaskar Das and the same was highly appreciated by one and all present on this auspicious occasion.
Paradip Port Authority celebrated the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. B R Ambedkar as the PPA fraternity led by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman offered floral tributes at the statue of Dr Ambedkar in the morning. They remembered how his pioneering vision laid the foundation for a progressive and inclusive republic.
61st National Maritime Day was celebrated at PPA in the Wet Basin of the PPA’s Marine Site office, where, Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA graced the occasion as Chief Guest. At the meeting, Shri Haranadh spoke at length how indomitable spirit of Paradip Port Family enabled it for the first time in the 57 years history of operation to become No.1 Major Port in the country, surpassing previous records, set by Deendayal Port. A no. of business development activities and system improvement measures implemented in recent years have given remarkable results. PPA accounts for 30% overall growth in traffic of combined all major ports in FY 2023-24. The berth productivity remains the highest among all major ports in spite of the cheapest tariffs. Currently India accounts for more than 12% of total Seafarers of the worlds and the no. is likely to increase to 20% by 2030. He urged the young mass to explore vast employment opportunity in the maritime sector.
Guest of Honour, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, PPA said that if port is compared to a human body then the marine department will be its heart. With significant contribution from Seafarers community, PPA will achieve new milestone in coming years. Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Traffic, Capt.A.C.Sahoo, Dy. Conservator, PPA also spoke on the occasion
Capt.Tusharkanti Sahu, Master Mariner was felicitated on the occasion for his tireless service and stellar contribution to the Indian Maritime Industry. Coinciding with the observations of National Maritime Day competitions like swimming, heaving line throw and rope climbing were held. Winners of the different competitions were also awarded on the occasion. Capt. Indranil Mukherjee, Harbour Master gave the welcome speech and Er. Bablu Sikdar, Sr. Marine Engineer offered Vote of Thanks.
• PPA’s remarkable journey has reached new heights with the recent record-breaking achievement of clocking incredible 145.38 MMT cargo throughput in FY 2023-24 and thus-by nudged passed Deendayal Port, Kandla to emerge as the highest cargo handling major port of the country. For the first time in the 56 years history of operation, PPA has surpassed previous records, set by Deendayal Port. Paradip Port has also recorded growth of 10.02 million metric tonnes (7.4%) of traffic on YoY basis.
• During the financial year the Port has achieved highest ever coastal shipping traffic of 59.19 million metric tonnes, with a growth of 0.76 million metric tonnes i.e. 1.30% over the previous year.
• The thermal coal coastal shipping has reached 43.97 million metric tonnes i.e. 4.02% over the previous year cargo handling. Thus, the Paradip Port is emerging as a hub for coastal shipping in the country.
• Paradip Port has been able to improve its berth productivity to 33014 MT from 31050 MT of previous financial year, thus registering 6.33% growth. The berth productivity achieved by Paradip Port is the highest among all the ports of the country.
• During the financial year, the Port has handled 21,665 numbers of rakes, registering a growth of 7.65% over the previous financial year.
• During the financial year, the Port has handled 2710 ships, registering an increase of 13.82% over the previous financial year.
• The increased performance in cargo handling has been driven by various system improvement measures undertaken by the Port during the financial year, which are detailed as below:
1.Improved system of operation at mechanized coal hand plant to reduce idle time between rake unloading has resulted in highest handling of thermal coal at MCHP i.e. 27.12 million metric tonnes.
2.The northern dock of the port has been declared for handling 16 meters draught cape vessels.
3. Simultaneous handling of 1 Cape and 1 Panamax at coal handling berths, which was not being done during the previous year.
• Paradip Port has frozen its tariff for cargo handling at the level of 2022 for next 3 years as a part of its business development initiatives. It is to be noted that Paradip Port is the cheapest in terms of tariff among all the port of the country.
• In terms of provisional financial results,
1.The Operating revenue has crossed Rs.2,300 Crores against Rs.2,074 Crores in comparison to previous fiscal, resulting an increase of 14.30%.
2.The operating surplus has crossed Rs.1,510 Crores against last year of Rs.1,300 Crores with a growth of 16.44 %.
3.The net surplus before tax has crossed Rs.1,570 Crores against last year Rs.1,296 Crores exhibiting growth of 21.26 %.
4.Net surplus after tax has also crossed Rs.1,020 Crores against Rs.850 Crores of last year which is 20% increase.
5.The operating ratio has also improved to 36% against 37% last year.
• Paradip Port, with 289 million metric tonnes rated capacity port as on date, is poised to cross 300 million metric tonnes capacity mark in another 3 years with the commissioning of Western Dock project. The work of Western Dock project with 25 million metric tonnes capacity is in full swing by the PPP Operator i.eM/s. J.P.P.L. The said project will also increase the draught of the port, enabling the port to handled fully laden cape vessels by 2026.
• Paradip Port, which has mechanized 80% of the berths as on date, plans to become 100% mechanized by 2030 with the mechanization of existing 4 semi-mechanized berths.
• The Port has also planned to add another 4 berths for which requisite approval will be taken during the current financial year, itself.
• Paradip Port is planning to improve the connectivity by commissioning two road flyovers within its premises with a cost of Rs.150 crores to avoid surface crossing of rail and road traffic. This will enable the Port to handle road traffic seamlessly.
• As a part of its port lead industrialization initiatives, the Port has allotted 769 acres of land to various industries which will bring more than Rs.8700 crores of investment and thus attracting 50 million metric tonnes of traffic to port.
• Paradip Port, as part of its greenification, has planted 2 lakh saplings during the last year and it is expected to reach 1 million tree plantations by the year 2025.
• The Port has also planned to develop 10 MW solar power plant to power the operations of the port, totally by renewable energy. The Port is also planning to come up with green refuelling station by setting up LNG and CNG depot at the Port.
• The Port is also aiming to develop one exclusive berth for handling green ammonia/green hydrogen thus becoming the hydrogen hub port of the country.
• The Port is developing a ultramodern signal station with latest vessel traffic management information system in association with IIT, Chennai. This will improve the vessel management and marine operations substantially, apart from improving the security.
• Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman has congratulated the entire team comprising of Exporters & Importers; who patronize the Port, Officers, Staff Unions, PPP Operators, Stevedores, Shipping Agents etc. whose combined effort has resulted in this stupendous achievement.
Today, Paradip Port stands tall as a shining star in the Indian maritime domain, earning accolades and setting unprecedented records that underscore its unwavering commitment to excellence.
With the theme “Invest in women : Accelerate progress”, Paradip Port Authority in association Paraeep Ladies Club commemorated International Women’s Day. A function was organized at Officers’ Club.
Gracing the occasion, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA said that as the Port is slated to become India’s No.1 Major Port in cargo throughput in current fiscal, the working women of Team PPA have significantly contributed in this regard. In downtrodden Indian society, imparting quality education to young girls is most important for its upliftment. Working Women Cell of PPA has been actively addressing the women related issues. Stressing on the health of women employees, he emphasized on a special camp for cancer screening and to avail the facilities of newly launched Mobile Medical Unit.
Guest of Honour, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA said that mother being the building block of every human being, now a days women folk are leading in various spheres of life. PPA has been achieving success because of significant contribution of its working women employees.
Dr. Shilpa Vinayak Gadade, eminent Cardiologist, gave discourse on the Cardiac Health and Ms. Swati Mohapatra, Dietician explained Nutrition therapy for Stress management. They were felicitated on the occasion for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields. Chairman and Dy. Chairman, PPA, also felicitated women officers and employees of PPA who have excelled in their respective fields in the current fiscal. A major attraction of the event was dance performance by Specially abled Girl children of Jagruti school. They were also felicitated on the occasion.
Smt. Susmita Samal, Chairperson, Working Women Cell, PPA offered Welcome speech, Dr.Runu Singh of PPA compeered the programme, Smt. Itishree Mohanty offered vote of thanks.
The commitment & resolve shown by Team PPA saw that Paradip Port Authority, clocked highest ever cargo throughput of 135.68 MMT since its inception, 23 days in advance of the current FY 2023-24. Earlier record was 135.36 MMT achieved in FY 2022-23. Paradip port, known for the highest productivity and the lowest tariff is expected to draft a new chapter, in its history of 57 years, by becoming the No. 1 cargo handling Major Port of the country, during the current fiscal. It is poised to touch historic 145 MMT mark. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA congratulated the Team PPA for this magnificent performance. He has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Union Minister of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji under whose able leadership & guidance, Team PPA achieved the the enviable record. Cargo volume handled by PPA in current fiscal till Februray end exhibited 8.14% stellar growth. Coal handling amounting to 58.78 MMT constitutes about 44.42% of total cargo volume handled at the Port. Iron Ore and Pellet cargo has grown by remarkable 48.86% thus by clocking 23.79 MMT. Record nos. of 2545 vessels made Port of call till 8th March in comparison to 2200 nos. during the corresponding time period in previous tiscal. The Port has also registered remarkable improvement in the Key Performance Parameters. Berth productivity stands at 32751 MT per day per ship, which is the highest among all Major Ports of the country. Average Turnround time has improved to 41.85 hrs from last year's 46.77 hrs. The Port's commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has positioned it as a key player in catering to the growing needs of the industry. Sustainable marketing pitch has brought PPA closer to its Port Users and geared up for more accomplishments in times to come.
Unlocking Big Success, harnessing the power of sustained marketing strategy, today, Paradip Port witnessed the Inception of one of its kind EXIM Container Service at its PICT berth. This morning, the world’s biggest container line i.e. M/s Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) commenced the Paradip shuttle service under SE feeder corridor. MV MSC Tiger F made its maiden call at PICT terminal. It has LOA of 154.51 Meter and Beam of 25.21 Meter. It will be a regular & seamless call for catering EXIM cargo through port of Paradip as per planned 3 calls in a month through Paradip – Colombo route. The Ship embarked on its journey to Colombo Port with export Aluminum Cargo of 90 TEU on account of M/s Vedant and 36 TEU on account of M/s Jindal Stainless Limited.
Gracing the occasion, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA stated, “It is a very special occasion for Paradip Port, as traditionally Paradip Port has been concentrating on Iron Ore, Coal and Crude Oil for the last 57 years since its traffic operation began in 1967. Our approach was only towards improving the coaL, iron ore & crude oil traffic. It is time now to diversify the cargo basket, as An estimated 2 lakh TEU cargo is available in the hinterland of the Paradip Port. The combined efforts of PPA & Govt. of Odisha has yielded successful results in attracting reputed container liners to PPA. Now, we have a world class terminal here at PICT which is no less than any other container terminal of the country and it has a 14.5mtr draft and state of the art machinery to handle contaitner traffic and it has 5 MMT capacity. It is totally under utilized. The Port is offering unparallel discount of 75% in vessel related charges to interested container liners and no container scanning charges to boost container cargo. Henceforth, prospective clients from state of Odisha will be no more dependent on ports outside the state.”,
Shri Saswat Mishra, Principal Secretary, MSME Department, GoO said, “This is the momentous occasion, for which the state has been waiting for decades. We have lot of cargo here with Odisha origin. In the line of MSC, soon another VGF agreement with container line M/s RCL for Paradip-Port Klang in Malaysia operation will be signed by the state govt. With these two routes opening up, I think that the much needed infrastructure and logistics support for Odisha industries will open up.”
Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA said that with the cooperation of the major shipping lines, the days will nor far, when PPA will be positioning answer as one of the most modern and most competitive container Ports.
Shri G. Edison, T.M, PPA, Shri Rajesh Naik, PICT Terminal Head were present during the flagging off Ceremony. It may be noted that in Industry first scheme of things, Odisha Govt’s will pay $ 200 per 20-foot equivalent Unit (TEU) as viability gap funding (VGF) if the EXIM traffic volumes during a Ship call at Paradip Port falls below the minimum guaranteed level of 250 TEUs.
"Focus on Safety Leadership for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Excellence" as the theme, observation of the 53rd National Safety Day and Week began at Paradip Port Authority. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri P L Haranadh, Chairman, PPA inaugurated Safety Week Celebrations in the morning. He flagged off an awareness rally of employees and workers from Administrative Building, which culminated at Gate No. 4 of PPA. Addressing the gathering he said that PPA is focusing on creating awareness on safety, proper training, and changing attitude of employees towards safety and to provide proper personal protective equipment. Of late, PPA is concentrating on building Road over-bridges to nullify any eventuality arising due to train or truck movements. Already MCHP flyover has been constructed and work is going on in full swing for 2nd Exit-cum-Flyover Bridge. Another two flyovers will also come up. Widening of internal roads is going on, which will improve truck congestion and ensure safety.
Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, PPA, Capt. A.C. Sahoo, CME (I/c), other HoDs and Dy.HoDs, Shri Pradeep Kumar Kar along with safety officer Janardan Nayak , Regional Manager of M/s. Chennai Radha Engineering Works Pvt.Ltd., Shri A. Ramesh, co-ordinated the event. As part of weeklong celebrations, various awareness activities like safety essay, debate and poster competitions among employees and port users, seminars, dock safety training programmes, CPR Workshop activities will be conducted.
Sixport clusters out of which four port clusters i.e. Cochin –Vizhinjam Port cluster, Galathea South Bay Port, Chennai – Kamarajar– Cuddalore Port cluster, Paradip and Other Non-Major Portscluster with capacity of more than 300 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) and two port clusters i.e. Deendayal and Tuna Tekra Port cluster, Jawaharlal Nehru – Vadhavan Port clusterwith capacity of more than 500 MTPA are to be developed as Mega Ports by the year 2047.The activities to be undertaken by Major Ports for augmentation of capacity and improving infrastructure are included in the Maritime AmritKaal Vision, 2047. The works for Infrastructure enhancement and capacity augmentation in the Major Ports are already under progress through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode and also through internal resources.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri SarbanandaSonowal in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
PPA creates history among all Indian Major Ports by clocking the highest ever single day rake handling of 79 rakes (28 outbound + 51 inward rake unloading) in a single day on 4th February 2024. The previous highest was 75, achieved on 18th February 2023. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA has congratulated Team PPA for yet another stupendous performance. He has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders who have contributed in achieving the incredible milestone.
The Annual Invitation Golf Tournament of Paradip Golf Club was held at Paradip Port Golf Course from 3rd to 4th Feb 2024. It was organised jointly by Paradip Golf Club and Paradip Port Sports Council. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, Shri A K. Bose, Advisor, Traffic, Shri D.N. Sondhi, President, GKS gave away the prizes.
Shri Bhuneswar Oran of 120 TA Batallion, became the champion in handicap (0-10), Shri Harihar Dash became the Champion in handicap (11-18) & Dr Debadarshi Rath became the Champion in handicap (19-24). Woman golfer Smt. Rajeshree Chhotray from Bhubaneswar Golf Club emerged champion in the women category.
Paradip Golf Club working president, Shri Bablu Sikdar, Shri Manoj Kumar Mahanta, Secretary, Shri A.C. Sutar, Captain of Paradip Golf Club and Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Secretary, GKS conducted the tournament successfully. Total 74 golfers from 7 leading golf clubs from various parts of India participated in the tourney.
Paradip port township kept its annual date with floral extravaganza, as inhabitants thronged to witness beautiful blooms of various colours adorned Officers’ club at the 38th Annual Flower Show, which was organized by R & B Division of Paradip Port Authority this morning. It was inaugurated by Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA. He said that the basic objective of the flower show is to develop Paradip Port as a green and beautiful Port. Beautification activity is going on in full swing from Atharabanki to Gate No.-4. To promote greenery in and around Port township one lakh saplings are being planted every year continuously for the last three years through OFDC. In another two years there will be remarkable change in the Port landscape. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman and other HoDs were also present on the occasion.
Around 135 participants exhibited spectacular collections of flowers, vegetables and plants in 48 different categories such as flowers, classified ornamental plants in cut and pot arrangements, bonsai, vegetables and foliage. The public and denizens thronged the place to visit various exhibition stalls. The myriad hues and scent of flowers at this flower show was mesmerizing. In a glittering function held in the evening at Officers' Club, Chairman, PPA, Deputy Chairman, PPA and other HODs awarded prizes to the winners in different categories.
The dedication & perseverance shown by Team PPA saw that in the first month of New Year 2024, Paradip Port Authority, clocked highest ever monthly cargo throughput of 14.32 MMT in the history of all Major Ports in the country. Earlier record was 13.5 MMT achieved in March, 2023. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA congratulated the Team PPA for this magnificent performance. He has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Union Minister of Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji under whose able leadership & guidance, Team PPA achieved the highest ever monthly cargo throughput in the history of Major Ports in the country. A symbolic Cake cutting was done by Shri Haranadh in presence of Shri Nilabhra Dasgupata, Dy. Chairman and other HoDs. The New Year 2024 is going to augur well for the Port, as it is poised to set all time record cargo handling of more than 145 MMT in current fiscal and thus by achieving the numero uno Port in the country for the first time since its inception, in terms of handling of cargo volume. Cargo volume handled by PPA in current fiscal till January end stands at 119.85 MMT in comparison to 109.28 MMT recorded in corresponding period of last fiscal, thus by exhibiting 9.67% stellar growth. Coal handling amounting to 53.32 MMT constitutes about 44.49% of total cargo volume handled at the Port. Iron Ore and Pellet cargo has grown by remarkable 59.42% thus by clocking 21.84 MMT. Record nos. of 738 shipping movements with pilots were carried out in Jan 2024 surpassing the previous record of 639 movements in Dec 2023. The Port has also registered remarkable improvement in the Key Performance Parameters. Berth productivity stands at 32612 MT per day per ship, which is the highest among all Major Ports of the country. Similarly, Pre-Berthing Detention is 1.20 hrs as against 1.78 hrs. during the corresponding period of previous year. Thus Paradip port is emerging as a coastal shipping hub of the country and started coastal shipping of thermal coal to west coast, for the first time in history, i.e. Maharashtra based Power Plants. It further plans to expand coastal shipping of thermal coal to other regions in west coast.
The Port's commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has positioned it as a key player in catering to the growing needs of the industry. Sustainable marketing pitch has brought PPA closer to its Port Users and geared up for more accomplishments in times to come.
The 44th All India Major Ports Athletics Meet and 31st Children Athletics Meet jointly organised by the Major Ports Sports Control Board and the Paradip Port Sports Council kicked off at Gopabandhu Stadium, here on Tuesday.
Around 250 participants from 8 major ports of India are participating in 12 groups and 133 events in the sports extravaganza.
Paradip Port Authority Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh inaugurated the two Meets.
Taking the salute in the march past by participants, Shri Haranadh said that, it is important to organise such events, as these ensure a feeling of good camaraderie and brotherhood among Major Ports. Paradip Port is in the forefront conducting many such events & its sports council has been conducting continuously some event & other. This is very good for keeping the employees fit and fine, who contribute to the organization in a much better way. So as a part of our fitness exercise this Major Port events are conducted &it is encouraging that the children are participating.
On the occasion, Shri Sanjay Negi, DIG, Coastguard was the Guest of Honour. Shri D.N. Sondhi, Chairman, Organising Committee presided over the proceedings. Shri R.N.Mishra, Treasurer, GKS, Dr. D.P. Sethy, Secretary, Shri Rabi Dash, Co-ordinator & Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Jt. Secretary of Organising Committee were also present. Students of Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir played the Band.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) during the 75th Republic Day parade proudly unveils its Tableaux, a visual representation of the visionary Sagarmala Program, catalyzing Port-led development in alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister's vision. This flagship program has significantly reduced turnaround times, enhancing cargo handling efficiency across ports. Highlighting the Ministry's commitment to gender inclusivity, the front portion of the tableaux showcases a remarkable 1100% increase in the number of women seafarers over the last 9 years. This symbolizes "Nari Shakti Driving the Blue Economy," a central theme of the "Sagar Samman" initiative.
The central segment proudly exhibits achievements in port efficiency and capacity augmentation through Sagarmala's modernization initiatives. Major ports have witnessed a substantial capacity boost, doubling from 800 MTPA to 1617 MTPA. Embracing new technology and modernization, Indian ports now boast a remarkable turnaround time of 0.9 days, aligning with global standards. The 'AmritKaal Vision 2047' introduces a Port-led industrialization initiative, set to develop industrial clusters around ports, ultimately reducing overall logistic costs and stimulating economic growth.
The rear portion of the tableaux highlights the Ministry's endeavors in lighthouse and cruise tourism development, aligned with the 'Swadesh Darshan' and ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Scheme of the Government of India. This initiative aims to showcase India's rich maritime heritage and unlock the immense potential for cruise tourism.
“The Ministry's tableaux is a testament to the significant strides made in the maritime sector under the leadership of PM Modi, contributing to the nation's growth and prosperity. MoPSW is committed to increase the strength of our ‘Nari Shakti’ in the Maritime sector to keep pace with twenty-first century expectations.” Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW.
The confluence of "Maritime India Vision 2030" and "Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047" stands as a powerful testament to India's unwavering commitment to steering its maritime sector toward a future marked by dynamism, sustainability, and global excellence.
As we embark on this transformative journey, the visions collectively embody the aspirations of a nation determined to harness its vast maritime potential as a catalyst for economic growth. "Maritime India Vision 2030" lays the groundwork for a decade of strategic development, emphasizing the enhancement of global competitiveness and a steadfast dedication to environmental responsibility. Complementing this, the "Maritime AmritKaal Vision 2047" unveils a comprehensive roadmap, epitomizing ambition in the evolution of India's maritime sector—envisioning sustainability, efficiency, and global competitiveness as the cornerstones of its progress.
Together, these visions articulate a narrative of progress, innovation, and responsible stewardship, defining India's role as a maritime powerhouse on the global stage.
Republic Day was celebrated with pump and gaiety by Paradip Port Authority. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA unfurled the National Flag. Addressing on the occasion, he said that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our country is marching fast toward 5 trillion economy, with all round development in all spheres. Port Sector is also exhibiting unprecedented growth and development under the dynamic leadership of Hon’ble Union Minister of MoPSW, Shri Sarbanada Sonowal ji .
Today, Paradip Port stands tall as a shining star in the Indian maritime domain, earning accolades and setting unprecedented records that underscore its unwavering commitment to excellence. The recent "Sagar Shrestha Samman 2023" bestowed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is a testament to the dedication and hard work of each individual associated with Paradip Port. This achievement reflects the commitment and handwork, shown by team paradip and levels of operational efficiency and success of our innovative business developmental initiatives. In addition to these remarkable achievements, Paradip Port has also received the distinguished title of "Port of Operational Excellence" at the Global Maritime India Summit 2023. This further reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in maritime operations and efficiency.
Business development is dynamic subject, where port has to be vigilant and has to take quick decision to survive in the stiff competition in Maritime sector from neighboring ports. Paradip Port has been very successful in marketing effort and sustain the positive momentum set up in the last financial year.
PPA’s remarkable journey has reached new heights with the recent record-breaking achievement of crossing the 100 MMT cargo volume within an impressive 262 days of the current financial year. This outstanding feat, accomplished 22 days ahead of last year's performance. Paradip Port is going to immerge as highest cargo handling major port of the country, first time in the 56 years history of operation, surpassing 20 years record, set by Deendayal Port.
Paradip Port, with its strategic proximity to the rich mineral and industrial hinterland, has been at the forefront of meeting the ever-growing demand of the region. Our focus on capacity expansion, port modernization, and enhanced port connectivity has been the key to our success. Over the last five years, we have added 55 MTPA of capacity, including 30 MTPA of berth mechanization, making us the Major Port with the highest capacity at 279 MTPA. Bhumi pujan of M/s Jindal Paradip Port Limited for the development of the 25 MTPA Western Dock Project has recently been done. This project, will take our port's capacity beyond 300 MTPA upon completion. Importantly, the Western Dock project will enable us to handle fully laden Cape size vessels, bringing an economy of scale to the profitability of our customers.
As part of the Maritime India Vision 2030, Paradip Port is poised to evolve into a world-class mega port with over 400 MTPA capacity by 2030 through various capacity augmentation projects. All berths of the port will be mechanized, leading to enhanced productivity, eco-friendly cargo handling, and reduced logistics costs. Over 80 MTPA capacity addition projects are in the pipeline to be completed by FY 2030, and our vision extends to taking our capacity to over 500 MTPA by Amrit Kaal 2047.
As a part of our port led industrialization Multi Modal Logistic Park has been commissioned in 100 acres of port land with an investment of Rs.300 Cr., which has been inaugurated by Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu during Boita Bandana Utsav. This will enable to strengthen our efforts to diversify cargo basket by attracting container liners and serves the customers of our hinterland. Next financial year, we will definitely add another feather in our cap, by starting international container class to Colombo and eastern ports.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Paradip Port has been identified as one of the Major Ports to be developed as a hydrogen hub. Plans are underway for the development of port facilities, with a focus on hydrogen adoption and its derivatives such as ammonia and methanol as propulsion fuel for ships. We are actively collaborating with the National Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) under The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) to drive the green initiatives. TERI will be conducting study on operationlisation.
Last year, the auspicious Kartik Purnima on 27th November 2023 has been red letter day not only in the history of Paradip Port but also for Paradip township. As Hon’ble President of India Smt.Droupadi Murmu, daughter of Odisha made her maiden visit. We were over framed with happiness and gratitude for her elegant presence on that momentous occasion. Shri Parshottam Rupala, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for the project to modernize and upgrade the Paradip Fishing Harbour on January 8, 2024, in Paradip at a total estimated cost of Rs 108.91 Crore with 100% central financial assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) under the Sagarmala Scheme. This Fishing Harbour Project shall be implemented by Paradip Port Authority with a completion period of 18 months. The Paradip-Barbil Road by NHAI will further enhance road connectivity to the Port.
Welfare of employees is on the top of agenda of PPA. During this financial year, PPA has taken a no. of steps to improve their welfare like Comprehensive Health Check-up of all contractual workers those who are engaged directly as well as through manpower contract/from outsourced agencies started w.e.f dt.09.12.2023. Mobile Medical Unit has been incepted which is going to different locations in the periphery and proving medical consultation, lab test and medicines free of cost to the poor patients.
The Board of Paradip Port Authority in their very first meeting held in the new year has approved the enhance benefits of Rs.245/- per day from the earlier Rs.165/- which will benefit about 1000 contractual workers. The salary of site engineers has increased by 50%. The House Building Advance for employees has been increased more than threefold to Rs.25 Lakhs from the earlier Rs.7.5 Lakhs. 91 quarters will be constructed in multistoried residential building format for the sake of employees.
Thereafter, Shri Haranadh awarded prizes to winners of various competitions held among local school children & Officers and employees of various departments, who have excelled in their respective work area. Later on he awarded winner and Runners up Trophies to the marching contingents. CISF UNIT, PPA mesmerised the audience with spectacular Dog show and Fire drill. Chairman, PPA also inaugurated new Control room of Iron Ore Handling Plant and new Capacity Building Centre of CISF. An exhibition cricket match was held among PWD employees of the Port. Poets’ meet was organised at Officers’ Club by Jagannath Lalit Kala Sansad and in the evening inter-school dance competitions on patriotic theme were held among school children at Jayadev Sadan.
• 'Ayush Diksha’ - a Human Resources Development Centre - to come up in Bhubaneswar
• Ayush Diksha to empower next generation of Ayush professionals towards building a Swastha Bharat: Sarbananda Sonowal
Bhubaneswar, 20 January, 2024: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone for ‘Ayush Diksha’, a first of its kind centre for development of human resources for Ayush professionals of future here today. This state-of-the-art centre will be developed within the campus of Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Bhubaneswar.
Speaking at the event, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Ayush movement has gained a lot of prominence under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji. Thanks to Modiji’s untiring effort to leverage our ancient and rich heritage of traditional medicine, we are moving towards an integrated medicine approach where an empowered Ayush system of medicine will be used along with the modern medicine in building a robust patient care delivery system in the country. As we begin the journey of Ayush Diksha centre here today, this centre will enable the Ayush professionals to hone up their skills and upscale their dexterity in providing world class patient care services to the people of the country. It will prove as a catalyst to the powerful Ayush movement and its attempt at global movement towards a healthy and happy life experience.” The institution will offer training programmes for Ayush professionals, especially those from Ayurveda, as it aims to collaborate with national institutes of prominence for capacity development, strengthening human resources, facilitate research and development, achieve self-sustainability with an objective to generate revenue. The Ayush Diksha centre is being built with a budget of ₹30 crores. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including two auditoriums, 40 modern rooms with all amenities, suites for VIPs, dedicated space for a natural library, discussion rooms, modular kitchen, dining lounge, among other amenities. Adding further, the Union Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our rich heritage of Ayurveda has received due attention which was lacking, or conspicuously absent, from earlier Congress led governments. Today, the Ayush movement has regained strength as it march towards reclaiming its glory. The resurgent Ayush movement has become a pioneer in the rejuvenation of traditional medicine from across the world. We know how Yoga has revolutionised the world towards a movement of healthy living. With focussed approach to enable and empower other traditional medicines of India, we are confident that Modiji’s vision of a Swastha Bharat will be achieved. The integrated medicinal approach will prove as boon for the people of the country as they can move towards healing their ailments as well as enriching their quality of life by empowering their physical and mental well being.” The event was also graced by the MP (Lok Sabha) for Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi, the Director General of CCRAS, Prof Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, among other senior officials of the ministry, students and Ayush professionals. The CARI, Bhubaneswar is a unit under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. This ground breaking initiative marks a significant step towards promoting and advancing research in Ayurveda on scientific lines.
The 19th Paradip Marathon 2024 was conducted by the Gopabandhu Kreeda Sansad of Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Wednesday on the occasion of 63rd Port Foundation Day with Chief Guest PPA Chairman Shri P.L. Haranadh flagging it off at Hanuman Temple Square. Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, PPA, Shri Y.K.Singh, DIG, Local Coast Guard Unit were Guests of Honour.
The marathon covered a route of 14 km and concluded at the Gopabandhu Stadium amid great encouragement by the inhabitants of the port town and members of other Organisations. A total of 358 competitors – 299 male and 59 female, participated in the run.
Shri Ashok Dandasena, Bhubaneswar of Odisha police won the first prize in the men’s category by completing the distance in 44’ (minute) 07.4”( second), Shri Rashmi Ranjan Nayak from Bhubaneswar got the second prize with 44‘ 09.0” and Shri Babul Tudu of Jharkhand got the third prize in this category by clocking 45’23.5”.
In the women category, Ms. Susmita Tigga from Sundargarh won the first prize by completing the distance in 52’ 43.0”, Ms. Sandhya Murmu from Balasore the second prize by completing the distance in 53’05.8” and Ms. Puja Behera from Baleswar won the third prize in 56’ 45.4”
Ms. Jayanti Behera, International Para Athlete was felicitated by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA on the occasion. Her coach Shri Bishnu Mishra was felicitated by Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA.
PPA Chairman Shri Haranadh, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy.Chairman, PPA, Shri K.J.Patel, Director, IFFCO Unit, Paradip, Shri A.K. Bose, Advisor, Business Development and PPA Heads of the Departments graced the valedictory function held at the Gopabandhu Stadium.
Addressing the gathering Shri P.L.Haranadh, PPA Chairman highlighted how PPA is conducting its own marathon since 1967 resulting year to year growth in cargo traffic in a slow, steady and fast pace. In this fiscal the Port is all set to create history by becoming No.1 port among Indian Major Ports in cargo throughput. The port should continue its marathon to achieve better accomplishment in coming future. He also congratulated the employees, family members, importers, exporters, unions, PPP operators and other stakeholders for their massive contribution. Shri Haranadh lauded the participants who have come from different parts of the country to join the marathon.
The 19th Paradip Marathon will be flagged off by Sri P.L.Haranadh, Chairperson, PPA as Chief Guest on the occasion at 07.30 AM on 3rd January 2024 at the Hanuman Temple near Gate No.5. The marathon race will be concluded at Gopabandhu Stadium passing through the designated route covering a distance of 14 Kms. The route will be identified and the route chart will be provided to all the participants. The participants must be above 18 years & below 40 years of age as on 31.12.2023 and have to submit fitness certificate from a Govt. Medical officer or PPA medical officer. A panel of doctors from Port Authority will also be made available to check the fitness of participants, incase of necessity.
All men participants have to deposit an entry fee of Rs.50/- per head and Rs.30/- per head for women participants. The participants will be supplied with a set of Banion & Short and chest nos. in duplicate. All outstation participants will be provided with unfurnished accommodation and dinner i.e. on 02.01.2024. On the Marathon day, breakfast will be provided to all participants after the Marathon, at Gopabandhu Stadium.
The application along with medical fitness certificate, undertaking, xerox copy of voter ID/Aadhar Card & Age proof certificate and entry fee in cash will be received at the time of registration. Registration of participants will be made on 1st January 2024 & 2nd January 2024 at Gopabandhu Stadium.
01-01-2024 - Local participants under Paradip Municipality area -10.00 AM to 04.00 PM. (Lunch Break from 1.30 PM to 2.30 PM).
01.01.2024 & 02.01.2024 - Outstation participants -10.00 AM to 04.00 PM. (Lunch Break from 1.30 PM to 2.30 PM) Registration will continue untill registration of 600 boys and 100 girls or till 4 PM which ever is earlier. N.B. No entry will be made in the registration as well as attendance after the scheduled time.
Attendance of the participants shall be taken at Hanuman Temple near Gate No.5 on 03.01.2024 from 06.30 AM to 07.30 AM. The time limit for completing the total distance of Marathon (14 km) will be 2 (Two) hours from the starting time.
Persons
Rs.14,000/-
Rs.7,000/-
The first 150 participants in men category and first 50 participants in women category covering the distance of 14 KM will be given mememtos after which participants who complete the distance within 2 hrs. will be provided only certificate of participation.
All the District Associations and Registered Clubs should encourage more and more athletes to participate in the event particularly women athletes and nominate participants in large numbers to take part in the Marathon 2024. Participants may contact to the following number of Paradip Port Sports Council for further details: (10.00 AM to 07.00 PM) :06722 -222076
Three high-level talks held between Government of India and Government of Bangladesh at Dhaka including Shipping Secretary Level Talks (SSLT), 22nd Meeting of Standing Committee (SCM) under Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWT&T) and 3rd Meeting of Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on use of Chattogram and Mongla Ports for to-and-fro movement of goods, successfully concluded in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The delegation for the Shipping Secretary Level Talks and the 3rd Inter-Governmental Committee meeting was led by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, from Indian side and Mr. Md. Mostafa Kamal, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Shipping from Bangladesh. The delegation for the 22nd Standing Committee meeting on PIWT&T was led by Shri Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, Chairman, IWAI, from India and Sheikh Md. Sharif Uddin, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, from Bangladesh. Both the neighboring countries shared the water routes and coastal routes for transportation of the cargo and passengers on Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route and Coastal routes. These routes are important since they provide alternate connectivity to the North Eastern Region of India through Bangladesh. Cargo handled by IBP route in the Indian side has increased to 170%. Earlier it was 2 MMTPA in 2014-15 which is now 5.4 MMTPA. A number of decisions were taken during these three meetings to resolve the trade issues and to promote Inland Water Transport and Coastal Shipping between the two countries.
Meetings were held on 19th and 20th December, 2023 and the agreed Minutes of the Meetings were signed on the same day, i.e., on 20th December, 2023.
Highlights of Shipping Secretary Level Talks
Issues like easing visa issuance, shore-leave facility and repatriation for seafarers were deliberated upon. It was agreed to declare land route at LCS Radhikapur (Birol) and Hodibari (Chilahati) to extend trade and connectivity. Besides, inclusion of Dhamra Port as Port of Call under Coastal Shipping Agreement was considered. Bangladesh agreed on using Pangaon container terminal for interim period for transhipment of containers until Ashuganj Inland Container Terminal is fully operational. A location for drop-in centre for Bangladesh shall be identified in the next four months near Kolkata. A team from Bangladesh will look into ways to ascertain technical feasibility and commercial viability of third-party EXIM trade for the benefit of both countries. Bangladesh agreed to extend IBP route and declare Safardighi as new port of call under PIWT&T. Both sides agreed to form a technical team immediately to study inclusion of Chandpur-Chittagong stretch as IBP route under PIWT&T
Highlights of the Standing Committee meeting on PIWT&T
Bangladesh agreed to form a joint committee to implement a common Automatic Identification System (AIS) on the IBP route for better vessel navigation and tracking. Bangladesh agreed to include Mongla-Jamtola stretch for passenger and cruise vessels to visit Sunderbans area in Bangladesh. It has also been agreed that the Bangladesh side will submit a proposal for development of IBP routes 5 & 6 and 9 & 10 on 80:20 sharing basis which shall be examined by the Indian side to consider for implementation.
Highlights of Inter-Governmental Committee meeting
Both sides agreed to examine inclusion of Payra sea port in the ACMP for movement of goods between the two countries and Sabroom via Ramgarh and vice versa as additional route under ACMP subject to availability of necessary port, customs and related facilities. Besides, issues like faster berthing of vessels/barges using ACMP trade routes were also deliberated upon.
Paradip Port achieved yet another 100 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of cargo handling, in shortest time, in its history, showcasing the Port's unwavering commitment to excellence and efficiency in cargo handling. It has once again repeated the feat by crossing the 100 MMT mark, 7th year, in succession and achieved cargo throughput of 100.28 MMT on 18th December in the current fiscal. Notably, in FY 2022-23 the coveted mark of 100 MMT was achieved on January 9th 2023. Thus by, the record was achieved in 22 days in advance i.e. in 262 days in current fiscal against 284 days in last financial year, by exhibiting 9.64 % growth in total cargo throughput. Thus this century is the fastest by PPA, in its history.
The Port is poised to set all time record cargo handling of more than 145 MMT in current fiscal. Various system improvement measures, introduced by the Port during this year, fuelled growth. Outbound Iron Ore and Pellet has shown remarkable 69.03% growth in comparison to previous fiscal. Last fiscal, it amounted to 10.56 MMT over the same time period, whereas till 18th December, it stands at 17.85 MMT in current fiscal. Coastal Thermal Coal handling constitutes about 30.38% of total cargo volume handled at the Port. The Port has also registered remarkable improvement in the Key Performance Parameters. Berth productivity stands at 32,689 MT per day per ship, which is the highest among all Major Ports of the country. The vessel turn-round-Time is recorded as 42.01 hrs. as against 47.60 hrs. during the corresponding period of previous year. Similarly, Pre-Berthing Detention is 1.18 hrs as against 1.73 hrs. during the corresponding period of previous year. Thus Paradip port is emerging as a coastal shipping hub of the country and started coastal shipping of thermal coal to west coast, for the first time in history, i.e. Maharastra based Power Plants. It further plans to expand coastal shipping of thermal coal to other regions in west coast.
The Port's commitment to operational excellence, coupled with strategic improvements in cargo handling, has positioned it as a key player in catering to the growing needs of the industry. Marking the occasion, symbolic cake cutting was done today at Board Room by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA in the presence of other HoDs and Dy. HoDs.
For the above feat, Shri Haranadh, Chairman, PPA expressed his gratitude to Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji, Hon’ble Minister of MoPSW under whose inspiration, dynamic leadership and guidance, PPA could achieve the incredible success. He congratulated all Officers/Employees, the user industries, Stevedores, Steamer Agents, Trade Unions, PPP Operators for such amazing accomplishment in the ability of the Port to serve them. Chairman, PPA also appreciated the support of Govt. authorities like Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (GoI), Govt. of Odisha, Indian Railways, Customs and other deptts for their continued support.
23rd All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2023-24 held at Jayadev Sadan finally came to an end last evening. Paradip Port Authority along with Major Ports Sports Control Board successfully organised the Cultural Extravaganza. Gracing the valedictory function as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA thanked the participants for entertaining the people of port township for the last four days.
Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman, PPA, Smt. P. Girija Sundari, President, Paradip Ladies Club were Guests of Honour. Around 200 participants from 10 Major Ports across the country participated in the cultural meet. Team JNPA was crowned as the overall Champion. SMPA won the Runners-up and MBPA won the 2nd Runners-up award. Shri Shuvendra Kumar Sethy, PPA bagged 1st prize in instrumental music category. Smt.Swarnalata Tripathy of PPA won the Best supporting Artist (Female) award. Shri D.N. Sondhi, Chairman, Organising Committee presided over the proceedings. Capt. A.C.Sahoo, Vice Chairman, Organising Committe, Dr. D.P. Sethy, Secretary, Shri Rabi Dash, Co-ordinator & Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Jt. Secretary of Organising Committee were also present. Shri Sriman Narayan Mishra, DTM, PPA compeered the programme.
23rd All India Major Port Cultural Meet commenced with 10 Major Ports at Jayadev Sadan. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman Paradip Port inaugurated the event. Teams will perform in Drama, Dance Choreography, Classical & Light Vocal and instrumental. The meet ends on 10th December.
Paradip Port Authority along with Major Ports Sports Control Board is organising 23rd All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2023-24 at Jayadev Sadan. Gracing the inaugural function as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA inaugurated the cultural extravaganza and said that the Cultural Meet has provided an opportunity for congregation of diversity of the Country in the Paradip Port township. It will enable participants to develop new relationships, enjoy performances and showcase talents. Guest of Honour, Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy Chairman, PPA said that during cultural performances, the stage reflect the soul of the society. Smt. P. Girija Sundari, President, Paradip Ladies Club was also present on the occasion. Around 200 participants from 10 Major Ports across the country are participating in the cultural meet, which will come to an end on 10th December. Shri D.N. Sondhi, Chairman, Organising Committee presided over the inaugural proceedings. Dr. D.P Sethi, Secretary, organising committee also spoke on the occasion. Shri Ranjan Rashmi Beura, Jt. Secretary, organising committee compeered the programme. All the Major Ports are competing in categories like Classical Vocal, Light Vocal, Instrumental, Dance and Drama. This evening, inaugural performance will be made by Visakhapatnam Port Authority followed by DPA, Kandla.
Paradip Port Authority organised an event at PPA Administrative Building on the occasion of International Day of Persons With Disabilities. Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri P.L. Haranadh saluted the spirit of determination of the school children and mentioned that PPA would take necessary steps within its ambit for the all-round development of the school. Dr. P N Bahekar, Secretary, PPA, Capt. Alekh Sahoo, DC, PPA were also present. Chairman, PPA announced Rs 25,000/- financial assistance to Ms. Laxmi Singh, student of Class X in Jagruty school, who recently participated in the Indian blind & para Judo championship held at Amritsar. He also distributed gifts to the differently-abled employees of Paradip Port Authority. Smt. P. Girija Sundari, President, Paradip Ladies Club presented school kits to the Children of Jagruty. Paradip Ladies Club led the monetary assistance to the school.
India comes under the Category of 10 states with "the largest interest in international seaborne trade".The term of Council will be for the biennium 2024-25 With the efforts put-in by MoPSW under the leadership of PM Modi the highest votes are indicative of the government's determination to strengthen India's varied contributions to international maritime operations: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. In a continuous service at IMO India has sustained a proud and unbroken record in category B
In elections held at its assembly on Friday for the 2024–25 biennium, India was re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council with the highest tally. India's re-election falls under the Category of 10 states with "the largest interest in international seaborne trade", alongside Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said, “Ministry has made every possible effort under the leadership of PM Modi. We are delighted and humbled by the support of the international community at the International Maritime Organisation for India. The highest votes are indicative of the government's determination to strengthen India's varied contributions to international maritime operations. India secured the large-scale support of the international community at the International Maritime Organisation for India to continue to serve the global maritime domain. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is the leading authority that regulates the maritime industry, which supports global trade, transportation, and all marine operations.
Indian delegation was led by Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and waterways Shri T.K Ramachandaran, with Members including DG Shipping Shri Shyam Jagannathan, officers of DGS, High Commission of India at London and industry representatives. The council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the assembly, for supervising the work of the organization. Between sessions of the assembly, the council performs the functions of the assembly, except that of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.
Under the MIV 2030 to enhance representation at IMO India aims at appointing permanent representatives at IMO London. With a view to enhance and garner maritime expertise for India, it is proposed that India should nominate at least 2 qualified candidates for the Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Program at the IMO. The JPO Program is an established program within the United Nations with the main objective of providing young professionals an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international cooperation under the supervision of specialists and to contribute to the advancement of their nation’s mandate. The council is the executive organ of IMO and is responsible, under the assembly, for supervising the work of the organization. Between sessions of the assembly, the council performs the functions of the assembly, except that of making recommendations to governments on maritime safety and pollution prevention.
The World AIDS Day was observed at PPA Hospital with the theme "Let Communities Lead”. On this occasion, a walkathon as a part of IEC activity was organised to create awareness about AIDS among the denizens of the Port Township starting at PPA Hospital and ending at the Officers Club. Chairman, PPA Shri P L Haranadh administered the Pledge on the occasion to the gathering and flagged off the Walkathon. Doctors, paramedical staff of the PPA Hospital along with HoDs of the PPA, commandant CISF with his staff, Volunteers of Paradip Sakhyarata Samiti, volunteers of NGOs (IRDMS & CASD) working on AIDS, transgender, and general public participated with enthusiasm. The walkathon culminated at Officers Club. All the staff of PPA Hospital, Saksharata Samiti and Volunteers wore symbolic red ribbons to commemorate the occasion.
Further, a screening camp for Truckers was organised at Gate No. 3 in association with CASD/IRDMS. By the time of reporting 63 people were screened, and none was found positive for AIDS. The test kits were provided by OSACS. PPA HOSPITAL regularly screens for HIV/AIDS as an obligation under the MOU, "Mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS at Major Ports" signed with NACO & MoHFW.
Paradip Port Authority Hospital in association with HCG Panda Cancer Hospital, Cuttack organized a "Cancer Screening Camp “and Yoga -Ayurvedic wellbeing camp today. Shri P.L Haranadh, Chairman, PPA inaugurated the camp in presence of Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Deputy Chairman, PPA, Smt. Priti Sondhi, Working President, Paradip Ladies Club and other Sr. Officials of PPA. General screening for Oral, Breast and cervical cancer screening tests was conducted. 34 nos. of persons examined on the occasion. 07 nos. of PAP smear were collected for microscopic examination. “Nadi Pariksha”, a method for diagnosis of general wellbeing and disease process was conducted by PPA Ayurvedic doctor on 15 no. of persons. Chairman, PPA informed that more such camps along with general disease detection and prevention camps shall be conducted by PPA.
Paradip Port Authority observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) today on the occasion of 147th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA offered floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel along with other Sr. Officials of PPA. Addressing the gathering, he highlighted Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India and called for an inclusive, prosperous and harmonious Country. He urged all the employees to follow the same resolve and put their best efforts forward to take PPA into newer heights in coming times. Thereafter, Shri Haranadh administered Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge to the officers, employees and Sports trainees of GKS present at the Gopabandhu Stadium. He also flagged off the “Run for Unity” which culminated at the PPA Administrative Building.
As per the directives of Central Vigilance Commission, Paradip Port Authority is observing week-long celebration from 30th October to 5th November 2023, centered on the theme “Say No to Corruption, Commit to the Nation”, The celebration to spread Vigilance Awareness began at Paradip Port with a walkathon led by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman started from the Bus Stand & culminated at PPA Administrative building in the morning. Denizens of Paradip enthusiastically participated in huge numbers.
Later on, Shri Haranadh administered Integrity Pledge to the employees at PPA Administrative Building. Following the pledge, a spot quiz contest on vigilance knowledge was held among the employees. Then he flagged off a “Satarkata Rath” to promote vigilance awareness as well as message of CVC. Local cultural organization CANMASS performed a skit titled “Chharapoka – The Bug” to generate awareness about the menaces of corruption and on filling complaints under PIDPI resolution, which was highly appreciated by the audience present.
During the observance of Vigilance Awareness week -2023, various activities and competitions on elocution, essay, drawing and fancy dress have been scheduled among the local school students to promote awareness among general mass. PPA employees are also actively taking integrity e-pledge by visiting website of CVC through PPA Website and the Website of CVC & PPA. Several Hoardings have been displayed in the locality for creating awareness among the public. Each department of PPA has been conducting stakeholders meet for awareness on corruption and grievance redressal, issues relating to the functioning of the departments under three months Campaign as prelude to Vigilance Awareness Week-2023.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to lay foundation stones of projects worth more than Rs. 27 Crores at the Campus.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and Governor of Tamil Nadu Shri Ravindra Narayan Ravi will attend 8th Convocation Ceremony of Indian Maritime University (IMU), Chennai tomorrow. The event will begin at the university campus. IMU - headquartered in Chennai. IMU was established on 14th November, 2008 as a Central University by merging seven legacy institutes to provide quality maritime education, training, and research.
During this event 10 gold and 10 silver medals will be conferred to the meritorious students. Apart from this 1,944 students of the four Schools from the six campuses of IMU as well as from the affiliated institutes of IMU qualified will receive their degrees. A total of 245 candidates will receive the degrees in person. This includes two Ph.D. Scholars and one Scholar of M.S. (By Research).
The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Minister of AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal will grace the event as the Guest of Honour. During this event Shri Sonowal will lay the foundation stone of Innovation Lab worth Rs. 6.8 crores and Admin Block ‘C’ worth Rs. 21.25 crores.
The other dignitaries of the event are Dr. T. Sumathy Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Member of Parliament, South Chennai, Shri. Shripad Naik, the Minister of State, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ministry of Tourism, Shri Shantanu Thakur, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways’, Dr. K. Ponmudy, Minister of Higher Education, Government. of Tamilnadu, Shri P. Shankar, IAS (Retd), Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
On the inaugural day, PM laid foundation stone and dedicated to nation projects worth more than Rs 23,000 crores, of which PPA related projects are to the tune of Rs.9,000 Cr.
Mumbai, 19 October, 2023: The Global Maritime India Summit, 2023, one of the largest maritime summits in the world, anchored Rs. 10 lakh crores of investment during the three day event, which concluded here on 19th October. With this huge feat, the third edition of the GMIS made a significant stride towards achievement of ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ of Rs. 80 trillion investment - a vision document shared by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for the development of maritime sector by 2047. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the third edition of Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai via video conferencing on 17th October, 2023. The Prime Minister inaugurated, dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for projects worth more than Rs 23,000 crores that are aligned with the ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047’ for the Indian maritime blue economy. Of the above, PPA related projected dedicated to the nation are - 10 MTPA New Iron Ore berth for handling of Iron Ore exports at Paradip Port on BOT basis worth Rs. 655.56 Cr., 30 MTPA capacity Mechanization of EQ-1,2,3 berths for handling of Coal exports at Paradip Port on BOT basis worth Rs. 1437.76 Cr., development of 10MTPA New Coal berth for handling of Coal imports at Paradip Port on BOT basis worth Rs. 655.56 Cr., 82 KM long Haridaspur-Paradip Rail Line worth Rs. 3,200 Cr. Beside this, foundation stone was laid for Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour facilities including development of Western Dock on BOT basis to handle Cape size vessels worth Rs. 3004.63 Cr.
At the valedictory session of the GMIS, 2023, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the ‘GMIS 2023 Mumbai Declaration’ along with the Union Minister of Finance, Nirmal Sitharaman; the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal; the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan; the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel; the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis; the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shripad Naik, the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur among others.
Various categories of awards were conferred on participating organizations. PPA bagged the “Maritime Excellence Achievers 2023 – Port Operational Excellence Award”. Shri P. L. Harandh, Chairman & Shri Nilabhra Dasgupta, Dy. Chairman, PPA received the award from Shri Goyal.
Congratulating Team PPA on this stupendous performance, Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, said that the hard work, passion, and determination shown by the Team has helped a lot to achieve several new milestones.
PPA has entered into MoUs worth Rs. 1 lakh Cr. approximately with various prospective investors during the summit, which will significantly boost the maritime economy of the state.
Besides, PPA organised and convened two sessions in the summit, which were well attended and appreciated. Especially, Session on Odisha received the 2nd Best Session Award in the Summit. One of the major attractions was PPA’s stall in the exhibition, which was appreciated by visiting Ministers and Secretaries
Building upon the legacy of its preceding editions, the third meet unveiled broader prospects for domestic and international maritime stakeholders. The Global Martitime Summit witnessed participation from more than 60 countries, 215 international and national speakers and 50,000 physical and virtual attendees.
INDIA's Major Ports’ Traffic surges by 2.36% in first half of FY 2023-24 Paradip Port becomes the Numero Uno among Indian Major Ports.
Total India's cargo traffic handled by 12 major ports is on the rise and has reached 393.732 MMT in the first half of FY 2023-24, exhibiting growth of 2.35% year on year, according to latest figures released by the Indian Ports Association.
Paradip Port has emerged numero uno by clocking 69.137 MMT cargo throughput in the current fiscal. The Port, first time in the history, clocked highest ever cargo handling among Major Ports, during H1 (first half) of any financial year. Besides, it has exhibited 8.5% of incremental growth over the same period in the previous fiscal, which happens to be highest among all the Major Ports. Iron ore including Pellets handled by PPA has shown the highest incremental growth of 45.56% so far. This is to be noted that since FY 2016-17, PPA has consistently occupied 2nd position in half yearly cargo handling figures of various fiscals. For the first time, drifting away from the trend, PPA has secured the 1st position by achieving the highest cargo traffic.
Congratulating Team PPA on this stupendous performance, Shri P.L.Haranadh, Chairman, PPA has also offered his heartfelt thanks to all Stakeholders for their constant support and immense contribution.
Shri Sonowal applauds the success of this wonderful movement with enthusiastic participation by the people of Assam under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal led the ‘Swachhata Hi Sewa’ movement from Dibrugarh, Assam today. On this occasion, the Union Minister thanked the people of Assam for their enthusiastic participation in this novel movement of cleanliness under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Shri Sonowal said, “As we join the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ movement and offer our ‘Shram’, it is heartening to witness how the people of Assam has responded to the call of our dynamic leader, honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, and making this movement a success with their enthusiastic participation. We must remember what Mahatma Gandhi jis message on cleanliness and how it resonates through Jan Bhagidari for a Garbage Free India. Cleanliness brings us closer to the Godliness. We must remain steadfast towards this noble objective of a clean Bharat for achieving a Swastha Bharat, a vision of our leader Narendra Modiji.”
As per clarion call given by Hon’ble of Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Paradip Port Authority along with Paradeep Municipality, Paradip Sakharata Samiti, Local school students and denizens of the township conducted One Hour long Shramdaan for cleanliness drive at the Bank Street and Creek side near Mausima temple. Gracing the occasion as chief guest Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA flagged off a Swachhata Rath in presence of Shri Basant Kumar Biswal, Chairman, Paradeep Municipality and other HoDs and senior officials of PPA. Commenting about the Swachhata drive Shri Haranadh commented that Cleanliness is not just a transient allegiance, but it is a way of life for realising a dream of clean and green society. Similarly, CISF Unit of PPA conducted plogging activity at the Paradip Beach.
Paradip Port observed the 46th World Maritime Day With the theme, “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on” Paradip Port observed the 46th World Maritime Day, today. Unlike National Maritime Day, there is no fixed date of celebration of World Maritime Day. But, generally it is celebrated on last week of September every year. It depends on the individual Governments to decide a suitable date for celebration during last week of September and DG Shipping, Govt. of India has decided and directed to celebrate World Maritime Day on 29th September 2023 in India for this year. On this occasion, at PPA, Capt. A .C Sahu, Dy.Conservator hoisted the World Maritime Day flag at the Marine Site office in presence of HoDs of PPA, other Sr. Officials of Marine Dept. and students of Orissa Maritime Academy. Later on the students participated in an awareness rally in the Port township. In the evening a Seminar was held at Officers’ Club in which Shri Monoj Mohanta, Marine Engineer, Shri Shashi Sekhar, Asst. Manager, IOCL and Capt. Prasant Sahu, Pilot deliberated on the topic“MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on” .
The Internal Committee (IC) under Working Women Cell of Paradip Port Authority had arranged an awareness programme in the Conference Hall of Paradip Port Authority relating to Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 on Dt.28.09.2023. Dr. Purusottam Chuli, Advocate, High Court of Orissa-cum Guest Faculty, M. S. Law University, Cuttack was invited as the Guest to deliver a speech on the above topic in order to create awareness among the working women of Paradip Port Authority. Dr. P. N. Baheker, Secretary, PPA, Sri Muralidhar Pradhan, Advisor (Legal), PPA, Mrs. Susmita Samal, Chairperson, IC, Dr. Runu Singh, Convenor & Member, IC and all members of Internal Committee were present in the said meeting and put their best efforts to make the gathering a success. There was also gathering of lady employees along with male employees of PPA, which led the awareness programme fruitful and hopefully it will be helpful to the Internal Committee as well as to the working women employees of Paradip Port Authority to eradicate any type of Sexual Harassment at the work place.
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Chief Minister of Goa Shri Pramod Sawant to inaugurate the historic festival at Fort Aguada Lighthouse.
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal is going to inaugurate India’s First Lighthouse Festival from the Fort Aguada Lighthouse in Panjim, Goa tomorrow. The three days festival, beginning 23rd September and ending on 25th September, will be celebrated across all the lighthouses in the country in an effort to transform these historic spots as tourist destinations. The inaugural session will also be attended by the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, the Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Tourism, Shri Shripad Naik as well as Tourism Minister of Goa, Shri Rohan Khaunte among others.
Shri Sonowal, earlier launched a campaign ‘Lighthouse Heritage Tourism’ to transform 75 historic lighthouses into Tourism Spots. The historic lighthouses are being renovated with adequate facilities to act as tourist spots. The festival is logical outcome of this campaign by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) to transform 75 historic lighthouses across India into tourism spots. This is in line with the visionary approach of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi to transform India’s distinctive lighthouses into captivating tourism sites. The initiative aims to showcase the rich culture, significance, and allure of these magnificent structures whereby they can propel prospect of tourism and power local economy.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “It is a moment of great happiness for everyone in the team at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways as we begin this historic Lighthouse festival across the country from tomorrow. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, we remain committed to the cause of nation building. Lighthouses, that were long ignored from any potential value creation beyond their role as navigational tool, were identified by Prime Minister Narendra Modiji to be developed into a touristic point of view and allow them to become lynchpin of local tourism and, at the same time, generate income for the country. Modi ji shared this vision with all of us during the 75th episode of Mann Ki Baat and we are happy that this wonderful idea has now become a reality. While ships continue to be guided for safe sailing by these lighthouses, they will now offer their solace to people to relish the magnificent beauty of nature.”
India’s first ever Lighthouse Festival will be held at the historic Fort Aguada in Goa from 23rd-25th September, 2023. This would be a three day gala event in carnival style with local artists, dance troupes, food and culinary stalls, music concerts and similar activities to attract common people to Lighthouses. The festival also witness historians, archaeologist, cultural anthropologist and many other people with interest in history, culture and society participate in intriguing discussions around our marine history during this event.
PPA began the observance of “Swachhta Pakhwada” today. It started with a Swachhata Pledge administered by Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPA to HoDs, Dy. HoDs, officers & employees at the Portico in front of PPA Administrative Building.
PPA has already drawn up a detailed Action plan for the period, as part of Swachhta Pakhwada viz., awareness drive among workers and staff of all Departments & Divisions of PPA, swachhata awareness hoardings, Swacchata Rath, Cleaning of Pump Houses and electronic display at important locations in the township.