Paradip Port Authority inaugurated seven infrastructure projects valued at Rs 4,278 million (mn) and signed concession agreements for three mechanisation projects totalling Rs 15,803.6 mn, the port said. The ceremonies coincided with the port achieving an 18.5-metre deep-draft capability and the planting of its one millionth tree under ongoing environmental efforts. The measures are intended to expand cargo capacity, cut vessel turnaround and strengthen regional trade links.

The largest work in the package was a Rs 3,520 mn capital dredging that has enabled the handling of fully laden Capesize vessels in the inner harbour, improving economies of scale. Other commissioned works included a Rs 248.9 mn Atharbanki Second New Bridge, a 500-metre three-lane structure with footpaths and a pipeline corridor that serves a route used by nearly 3,000 trucks daily. The port also brought into service a Rs 155 mn Advanced Vessel Traffic Management and Information System developed with the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts at IIT Madras to monitor traffic up to 20 nautical miles.

Additional investments encompassed a Rs 21 mn sports hostel, a Rs 121.8 mn administrative façade upgrade and a Rs 200 mn piped natural gas network that will connect 546 homes in the first phase. The mechanisation agreements cover the five million tonnes per annum South Quay, the eight million tonnes per annum Multipurpose Berth and the ten million tonnes per annum captive CQ-III berth. The South Quay award is to Yogayatan Paradip SQB Terminal Pvt Ltd for Rs 4,986.9 mn, the Multipurpose Berth to Kalinga Bulk Terminal Paradip Pvt Ltd at Rs 6,306.7 mn and the captive berth to AMNS Paradip Logistics Pvt Ltd at Rs 4,510 mn.

Officials said the measures will boost efficiency, support jobs and strengthen regional trade. Environmental drives marked the one millionth tree and planting of 0.1 mn trees, alongside training and skills programmes for local communities.