The Port Day was observed on the auspicious day of Kartik Purnima by the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) on Tuesday. PPA Chairman PL Haranadh unfurled the Paradip Port Flag at the Wet Basin and handed over the sacred Kalas to the Sadhavas who set sail on board a traditionally-decorated boat. He also inspected the Port Marine crafts lined up in the harbour.
On the occasion, Haranadh outlined the tremendous rise of the port in recent times banking on four pillars. First, the capacity expansion and the port marching ahead to clock 125 MMT cargo-handling mark this current fiscal. In next two years, around 100 MMT-capacity projects would be awarded, thereby Paradip becoming India’s largest-capacity port. The port would become a 500-MMT Mega Port by 2047.
Under the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan, the port connectivity projects like rail, road, waterways, conveyor and pipeline would get a massive boost. It would become a smart digital port by 2025. An advance gate management system would be in place within a year. Under green port initiative, 1,07,000 saplings have been planted this year so far; and by 2025, the aim is to plant 1 million saplings. The port recently introduced three mechanised road sweeping machines.
An emergency ward has been inaugurated at the PPA Hospital for providing critical care to the patients. For heart ailments, burn injuries and trauma care, the PPA Board recently approved Rs 30 crore for establishing a modern hospital and the management is trying to identify the place and execute the modalities at the earliest, Haranadh added.
PPA Secretary Dr PN Bahekar offered a vote of thanks.