Sarbananda Sonowal asks for Paradip Port capacity expansion by 2030

Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, examined Paradip Port developments on Monday and directed to increase its capacity to 500 Million Metric Tonne Per Annum (mmtpa) by 2030. According to media sources, the ministry evaluated different infrastructure projects, PPA Projects, the Port's operation, the ease of doing business initiative, the green initiative, and the Port's business development activities during the meeting. Sonowal revealed a Rs 29.68 crore container scanner that can scan up to 25 trucks per hour in scan mode. The container scanner meets international security screening standards and eliminates requirement of a manual container inspections by offering high-resolution imaging with organic and inorganic materials and would increase container traffic in the Port. As part of the enhanced port connection from the National Highway (NH) at Paradip Port, the Minister laid the foundation stone for the second exit-cum-road flyover (Gati-Shakti Project). This 2.4 km long road-cum-flyover serves as an alternate entry/exit option to/from the Port, allowing for safe and congested vehicle circulation. As per the government, the project, which would cost Rs 93 crore, would help in separating cargo and passenger traffic to and from Port Township. Sonowal also took part in a plantation dive at Aayush Garden and inaugurated the Sewerage Treatment Plant and Paradip College Boy's Hostel. The Minister also attended a meeting with stakeholders and inaugurated the Biju Convention Centre. He also met with representatives from IDCO and IOCL to discuss the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). During a review of PCPIR's progress, he emphasised a collaborative approach for speedier development and overall development. Image Source