Union Minister Sonowal Sets 500 MMTPA Target For Paradip Port Under Maritime Vision 2030; Inaugurates Riverine Jetty

Paradip: Under Maritime Vision 2030, Paradip Port Authority will become a Mega Port with a capacity of 500 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonne Per Annum) by 2030, said Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, here on Monday. Employees as well as stakeholders,  including exporters and importers will play a crucial role, he added.

Stating that port-based industrialisation is on the anvil, Sonowal said Paradip is on the path of becoming one of Asia’s prominent industrial hub with large projects of around Rs 10,000 crore.

“With the merger of Inland waterways of Mahanadi with coastal water of the Bay of Bengal via Paradip Port, a huge potential for development has been created,” said Sonowal while addressing the gathering at a meeting held at the newly-inaugurated Biju Convention Centre.

Sonowal also inaugurated the IFFCO riverine jetty and flagged-off the cargo barge at the port.

Talking about the new generation, he said in order to become a super power our youngsters should grow through innovation thought process, start-ups, connectivity, industry, science and technology. There should be coherent approach between the teaching community, parents and students.

Sonowal launched “Vidya Ashribad Scheme” for local school students belonging to marginalised sections of the society, who are being provided with study kits comprising of school bags, shoes and other accessories. The Union Minister also launched “Baristha Kalyan Yojana” under which residents of Maa Santoshi Old Age Home were provided utility kits.

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.

Sonowal 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.

Chairman, PPA, PL Haranadh, outlined the prospects of various projects like 2nd exit-cum-road flyover (Gati-Shakti Project), Sewerage Treatment Plant, creation of Aayush Garden, Paradip College Boy’s Hostel, Container Scanner which were inaugurated by the Union Minister. Deputy Chairman, PPA, AK Bose was also present.