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