Paradip Port Trust (PPT) Chairman Sudhanshu Sekhara Mishara has informed that the PPT has proposed to the State Government for setting up of a satellite port either at Jatadhari near Paradip or at Bahuda near Gopalpur.
Speaking at a conference on Odisha’s transport infrastructure scenario and prospects organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) here on Tuesday, Mishra further informed that the Government has asked the PPT to submit a concept paper detailing a joint venture (JV) mechanism.
He further said satellite ports are required for creating additional capacity and future expansion as the Paradip Poer is already chocked with volumes of cargo. There is need of satellite ports though the Paradip Port has a capacity to handle about 106 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo per annum and plans to increase it by 35 MMT in three phases in future, he said.
Mishra said that while the PPT handled 56.5 MMT of cargo during last financial year, it has targeted handling of 66 MMT of cargo for the current financial year.
He said, “Approximately Rs2,850 crore will be invested on development of the Paradip Port infrastructure in three phases. A six-berth western dock with cargo handling capacity of 75 MMT will be constructed. Technical studies for the project have been completed, but the port management is yet to decide on the types of cargo it would handle. The PPT is also working on an inland container depot (ICD) of 5-MMT capacity which can be a game changer for the port and the ICS should start operations in the next two to three years.”
“The PPT has proposed an ambitious plan of coastal highway joining major coastal towns like Paradip, Baleswar, Puri and Gopalpur “ added Mishra.