The Paradip Port Authority (PPA) convened on October 15, 2026, to enhance operational efficiency and address challenges in cargo handling. The meeting with the Paradip Port Stevedores Association aimed to strategize for a target of over 170 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2026–27, building on the previous year’s record of 156.45 MMT. Key topics included infrastructure needs, worker welfare, mechanization, and improved stakeholder coordination to facilitate smoother cargo movement.
Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit emphasized the importance of collaboration among PPA officials and stevedores to boost productivity amid global economic pressures. The discussions also spotlighted operational improvements, including road upgrades and better drainage systems to alleviate waterlogging and enhance freight transport within the port area. Sanitation and worker welfare facilities were also noted as areas for development.
The integration of mechanization and modernization initiatives was central to the meeting, with an eye on preserving the interests of traditional stevedores. Stakeholders, including public-private partnership operators, acknowledged the necessity for operational integration to expand business opportunities and enhance cargo handling processes.
Lastly, the meeting addressed dredging, traffic management, and environmentally sustainable practices, including green energy initiatives. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to improved coordination on infrastructure, underscoring that reaching the ambitious cargo target will rely on efficient operations and cohesive stakeholder engagement.
