Kendrapada: The Paradip port is planning to expand and bolster its current capacity of 289.75 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA), the minister of ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, said in response to a question in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.The port, which has seen a commendable increase in cargo handling from 135.36 MT in FY 2022-23 to 150.41 MT in FY 2024-25, is set to undergo a series of transformative projects with deepening and optimization of inner harbour facilities being one of them.To further enhance connectivity, the Paradip-Chandikhol section of NH-53 is being upgraded to an eight-lane highway. Rail infrastructure is also receiving a boost with new auto signaling, the doubling of lines from Sambalpur to Talcher and Banspani-Daitari-Tomka-Jakhapura and the addition of third and fourth lines between Jarapada-Budhapank-Salegaon.The port is also focusing on green initiatives, including the installation of a 10MW solar power plant, shore-to-ship power supply, mechanization of berths and the construction of a dedicated jetty for green hydrogen projects.Additionally, the minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, George Kurian, announced in Lok Sabha that the proposal for the upgradation and modernization of the Paradip fishing harbour has been approved. The project, costing Rs 108.91 crore, will be funded under the central sector scheme component of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
Source: The Times Of India