The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has given directions to the Paradip Port for augmenting its capacity to 500 MMTPA (Million Metric Tonne Per Annum) by 2030.

The Minister made his first official visit to Paradip Port Authority in Odisha as part of regular review. The Minister reviewed various infrastructure projects, PPA Projects, functioning of the Port, ease of business initiative, green initiative, business development activity of the Port.

Sonowal inaugurated a Container Scanner worth Rs. 29.68 crore that can scan up to 25 trucks per hour in scan mode. The Container Scanner complies to International Security Screening standards and reduces the need for manual inspection of containers providing high performance imaging capability with organic/inorganic material and celebration. It will help in boosting the movement of container traffic in the Paradip Port.

The Minister laid Foundation Stone for 2nd exit-cum-road flyover (Gati-Shakti Project) as part of additional Port connectivity from 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 in safe and congestion free movement of vehicles. Costing Rs. 93 crore it will help segregation of cargo traffic from passenger movement to/from port township.

The Minister also inaugurated the Biju Convention Centre and held a meeting with all stakeholders. He also reviewed progress with officials of IDCO, IOCL, on Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). During the review of progress of PCPIR, he stressed on a collaborative approach for faster development to bring overall development of the area.