New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated seven major infrastructure projects worth Rs 427.80 crore at Paradip Port Authority in Paradip, Odisha, an official statement said on Friday.
The minister also witnessed the signing of concession agreements for three mechanisation projects worth Rs 1,580.36 crore aimed at further strengthening Paradip's capacity, efficiency and cargo-handling capabilities, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said in the statement.
Among the seven-infrastructure projects, a capital dredging project provides 18.5-metre deep-draft capability.
It will enable Paradip Port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels in its inner harbour, improving economies of scale and helping reduce vessel turnaround and logistics costs.
The projects span navigation, connectivity, safety, sustainability, residential infrastructure and community development, while the mechanisation projects are aimed at improving cargo handling and reducing vessel turnaround time.
Union Minister Sonowal said the investments would strengthen Paradip's position as a major maritime gateway and create wider economic opportunities across the eastern region.
“The expansion of Paradip Port's capacity is not only about strengthening one port; it is about creating a growth multiplier for eastern India,” Sonowal said.
With deeper drafts, modern cargo-handling infrastructure, improved connectivity and greater mechanisation, Paradip is well positioned to drive trade, logistics, industry and employment across the region and contribute to India's emergence as a globally competitive maritime economy, Sonowal added.
Atharbanki Second New Bridge, a 500-metre, three-lane bridge, with footpaths and a dedicated pipeline corridor across Atharbanki Creek, is also among the projects which is expected to ease congestion along a route used by nearly 3,000 trucks daily.
Piped Natural Gas supply to residential quarters developed in partnership with Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd. will extend PNG connectivity to 546 residential quarters in Madhuban.
The facility is expected to reduce household gas expenses by up to 40 per cent and make Paradip the first major port to provide PNG to its residential township.
Sonowal also planted Paradip Port's one-millionth tree, marking a milestone in the port's plantation and green-cover initiatives.
—IANS
aar/pk
