Paradip Hosts 25th Major Port Cultural Meet

12 Jan 2026 CW Team

Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman of the Paradip Port Authority, inaugurated the meet as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he said culture reflects the inner beauty of the human soul and plays a vital role in fostering unity and harmony. He added that it was a matter of pride for Paradip Port to host the 25th edition of the meet in Odisha, a state known for its rich cultural heritage, classical Odissi dance and artistic traditions.

Haranadh appreciated the enthusiastic participation of teams from major ports across the country and noted that the colourful inaugural parade highlighted the vibrant cultural programmes planned for the event. Stressing that cultural exchange and participation are more important than competition, he observed that port employees across India possess remarkable artistic talent beyond their professional roles. He assured participants that all necessary arrangements had been made for their comfort and wished them a memorable experience before formally declaring the meet open.

The inaugural proceedings were presided over by Shri Himansu Sekhar Rout, Chairman of the Organising Committee. Senior officials including Shri Ashoka Kumar Sahu, FA and CAO, Shri Susil Chandra Nahak, Chief Mechanical Engineer, and Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Das, Chief Medical Officer, were present. Dr D. P. Sethi, Secretary of the Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address.

More than 200 participants from nine major ports—Chennai, Cochin, Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Kolkata, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority and host Paradip Port—are taking part in the meet. Competitions are being held across Classical Vocal, Light Vocal, Instrumental Music, Dance and Drama categories.

The inaugural cultural performances were presented by the Mumbai Port Authority, followed by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, setting the tone for the programmes scheduled over the coming days. The cultural meet will conclude on January 11, 2026, with a valedictory function and prize distribution ceremony.

The 25th All India Major Port Cultural Meet 2025–26 was inaugurated on Thursday at Jayadev Sadan, Paradip Port. The four-day event is being organised by the Paradip Port Authority under the aegis of the Major Ports Sports Control Board. Shri P. L. Haranadh, Chairman of the Paradip Port Authority, inaugurated the meet as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he said culture reflects the inner beauty of the human soul and plays a vital role in fostering unity and harmony. He added that it was a matter of pride for Paradip Port to host the 25th edition of the meet in Odisha, a state known for its rich cultural heritage, classical Odissi dance and artistic traditions. Haranadh appreciated the enthusiastic participation of teams from major ports across the country and noted that the colourful inaugural parade highlighted the vibrant cultural programmes planned for the event. Stressing that cultural exchange and participation are more important than competition, he observed that port employees across India possess remarkable artistic talent beyond their professional roles. He assured participants that all necessary arrangements had been made for their comfort and wished them a memorable experience before formally declaring the meet open. The inaugural proceedings were presided over by Shri Himansu Sekhar Rout, Chairman of the Organising Committee. Senior officials including Shri Ashoka Kumar Sahu, FA and CAO, Shri Susil Chandra Nahak, Chief Mechanical Engineer, and Dr Bibhuti Bhusan Das, Chief Medical Officer, were present. Dr D. P. Sethi, Secretary of the Organising Committee, delivered the welcome address. More than 200 participants from nine major ports—Chennai, Cochin, Deendayal, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Kolkata, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority and host Paradip Port—are taking part in the meet. Competitions are being held across Classical Vocal, Light Vocal, Instrumental Music, Dance and Drama categories. The inaugural cultural performances were presented by the Mumbai Port Authority, followed by the Visakhapatnam Port Authority, setting the tone for the programmes scheduled over the coming days. The cultural meet will conclude on January 11, 2026, with a valedictory function and prize distribution ceremony.

Infrastructure Transport

31 Jan 2026

MMRDA: Engineering Mumbai’s Underground Future

Somewhere beneath Mumbai’s restless surface, a second city is being built into existence.In the late afternoon, as the day leaned towards evening, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner (MMRDA), led us into a realm that very few ever enter—the active heart of one of Mumbai’s most ambitious underground road projects. While the city surges forward in familiar chaos above the ground, another Mumbai is taking shape below: quietly, methodically, irrevocably. The metal lift doors clo..

Building Material

31 Jan 2026

Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments. Else, domestic mills could..

Infrastructure Transport

31 Jan 2026

Metro Moves: From Expansion to System Integration

India’s metro rail programme has entered a new phase—one where the focus is no longer only on adding kilometres, but on building integrated, reliable and financially sustainable urban transit systems. With more than 1,000 km of metro lines already operational and daily ridership exceeding 10 million, the challenge now lies in execution quality, underground risk management, multimodal integration, viable funding structures, and large-scale digital adoption. These themes framed deliber..