Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has set a new national benchmark by achieving the fastest-ever 100 million metric tonnes (MMT) cargo throughput in a financial year. The milestone was recorded on November 27, making this the ninth straight year in which the port has crossed the 100 MMT mark.

PPA reached 100.15 MMT in just 241 days of FY 2025–26, completing the feat 12 days ahead of last year’s timeline and registering a 4.78 per cent year-on-year rise. In FY 2024–25, the port crossed the same milestone on December 9 after 253 days.

Despite market volatility, Paradip Port has continued to strengthen its position as one of India’s fastest-growing maritime gateways. The port attributed its performance to improved operational efficiency, technology-led upgrades and close coordination with key stakeholders. Strong growth was noted across coastal thermal coal, container cargo, gypsum and flux, petroleum products (POL) and steel, reinforcing PPA’s emergence as a major hub for coastal shipping.

Coal remained the dominant cargo segment, contributing nearly 45 per cent of total volumes and posting 3.76 per cent growth over the same period last fiscal. Container volumes rose 32 per cent, gypsum and flux 24 per cent, steel cargo 35 per cent, and POL shipments 31 per cent — signalling broader cargo diversification and stronger hinterland linkages.

PL Haranadh, Chairman, PPA, thanked Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal for his continued support and guidance. He also acknowledged the contributions of port officials, employees, user industries, stevedores, shipping agents, trade unions and PPP operators, along with support from the Ministry of Ports, Government of Odisha, Indian Railways, Customs and other agencies.

With momentum building across cargo categories, Paradip Port is on track to close the fiscal with its highest-ever annual throughput.

News source: Deccan Chronicle