Paradip (Odisha): Paradip Port Trust (PPT) deputy chairman A.K. Bose Tuesday said that Paradip Port will soon going to be a world-class port soon.
Addressing the Republic Day celebrations, the deputy chairman said the Rs 3000 crore Western Dock expansion project will transform PPT into a world-class Port. With the addition of Haridaspur-Paradip railway link, there will be ease in aggregation/evacuation of cargo, he added.
“The Port first crossed the coveted 100 MMPTA in FY 2017-18 and became the No.1 Major Port in the country for the 1st quarter of FY 2020-21. While this achievement gives immense happiness, which is shared by people all across the state of Odisha, but we have to now shoulder even bigger responsibilities to become the No. 1 position in the country. Though the Port is known as Dry Bulk Handling Port, of late, container operations are being given also priority. Two shipping lines have started their services within last 4 months from PICT berth. After undergoing renovation, EQ3 berth received its first Baby Cape Vessel. The Port till date has handled 91.26 MMT cargo and thus by, marched ahead of last year’s cargo figure, which is befitting to the occasion of Republic Day.”
Cargo handling operations have commenced in the newly developed Iron Ore (Export) Berth of 10 MTPA capacity. Development of New Coal Berth for handling of Coal Imports on BOT basis (PPP), of 10 MTPA Capacity, with an estimated cost of Rs. 655.56 Crs. is in progress and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Mechanization of EQ-1, EQ-2 & EQ-3 berths, of 30 MTPA Capacity, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1437.76 Crs. is in progress and is also expected to be completed by the year end. LPG Terminal at South Oil Jetty is being developed by IOCL of 0.75 MTPA capacity at an estimated cost of Rs. 690 Crores, is expected to be completed by March 2021. MoU for a Riverine Port in the Mahanadi River mouth at Paradip (i.e. Port within a Port), is under process for signing with the State Government. As a part of development of Smart Industrial Port City, Paradip Port will segregate its cargo traffic from the passenger traffic, for which a second exit road-cum-fly over shall be implemented at a cost of Rs.92.00 crores. This will ensure safety in road movement and clean environment to the commuters. Another bridge shall also be constructed adjacent to the old Atharbanki Bridge for congestion free movement to the Fishery Harbour Road and the Port premises.
Bose felicitated employees of various departments and covid warriors of PPT Hospital and CISF Unit, PPT, who have excelled in their respective fields.
