Odisha: Union Minister Sonowal Directs Paradip Port To Expand Capacity To 500 MMTPA By 2030

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed projects of Paradip Port and gave directions to the Port for augmenting its capacity to 500 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonne Per Annum) by 2030.

The Minister made his first official visit to Paradip Port Authority in Odisha as part of the regular review on Sunday (24 March).

During the meeting, the Minister reviewed various infrastructure projects, PPA Projects, functioning of the Port, ease of business initiative, green initiative, and business development activity of the Port.

The Minister laid Foundation Stone for the second exit-cum-road flyover, a Gati-Shakti Project, as part of additional Port connectivity from the National Highway at Paradip Port.

This Road-cum-flyover of 2.4 km long serves as an alternative entry/exit option to/from the Port, facilitating the safe and congestion-free movement of vehicles. Costing Rs 93 crore, it will help segregate Cargo traffic from passenger movement to/from Port Township.

On his visit, Sonowal inaugurated a Container Scanner worth Rs 29.68 crore that can scan up to 25 Trucks per hour in scan mode.

"The Container Scanner complies with International Security Screening standards and reduces the need for manual inspection of Containers, providing high-performance imaging capability with organic/inorganic material and celebration. It shall boost the movement of container traffic in the Port," the ministry said.

Sonowal also inaugurated the Sewerage Treatment Plant, Biju Convention Centre and Paradip College Boy's Hostel and participated in Plantation dive at Aayush Garden.