Paradip Port Surpasses Kandla to Claim Title of India's Highest Cargo Handling Port

By siliconindia  |  Tuesday, 02 April 2024, 02:20:55 PM IST

Paradip Port Surpasses Kandla to Claim Title of India's Highest Cargo Handling Port
In a significant milestone for maritime trade in India, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing Deendayal Port, Kandla to emerge as the country's leading major port in cargo handling. According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Paradip Port recorded a record-breaking cargo throughput of 145.38 million metric tonnes (MMT) during the fiscal year 2023-24. This achievement marks the first time in its 56-year history of operations that Paradip Port has outperformed Deendayal Port.
The port's exceptional performance is underscored by a year-on-year growth of 10.02 million metric tonnes, translating to a robust 7.4 percent increase in cargo traffic. Notably, Paradip Port also achieved its highest-ever coastal shipping traffic, reaching 59.19 million metric tonnes, representing a 1.30 percent growth over the previous year. The thermal coal coastal shipping segment witnessed a notable upsurge, with volumes reaching 43.97 million metric tonnes, reflecting a 4.02 percent increase.
Paradip Port's commitment to operational excellence is evident in its improved berth productivity, which escalated to 33014 MT from 31050 MT in the preceding financial year, marking a commendable 6.33 percent growth. Moreover, the port handled 21,665 rakes, reflecting a 7.65 percent increase, and accommodated 2710 ships, registering a significant rise of 13.82 percent.
The port's enhanced performance can be attributed to strategic system improvement measures implemented throughout the fiscal year. Notably, operational efficiencies were bolstered at the mechanised coal handling plant, resulting in reduced idle time between rake unloading and a record handling of thermal coal, totaling 27.12 million metric tonnes.
Another pivotal development was the inauguration of the northern dock, enabling the handling of larger 16-meter draught cape vessels, a capability not available in the previous year. This enhancement in infrastructure further solidifies Paradip Port's position as a premier maritime gateway.
In a bid to foster sustainable growth and promote competitiveness, Paradip Port has frozen its cargo handling tariff at 2022 levels for the next three years. This strategic decision positions the port as the most cost-effective option among all ports in the country, bolstering its attractiveness to shipping lines and cargo owners.
Financially, the port has witnessed substantial growth, with operating revenue surging by 14.3 percent to surpass Rs 2,300 crores compared to Rs 2,074 crores in the preceding fiscal year. Furthermore, the operating surplus has exceeded Rs 1,510 crores, marking a notable growth of 16.44 percent over the previous year's Rs 1,300 crores.
Paradip Port is on a trajectory towards further expansion, with a rated capacity of 289 million metric tonnes and plans to surpass the 300 million metric tonnes mark within the next three years with the commissioning of the Western Dock project. This ambitious undertaking underscores Paradip Port's pivotal role in facilitating trade and economic growth on a national scale, positioning it as a cornerstone of India's maritime infrastructure.

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