Summary Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit held a meeting with the Paradip Port Stevedores Association on 15 October 2026 to discuss cargo handling efficiency, infrastructure upgrades and operational challenges. The port has set a target of handling more than 170 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2026–27, following a record 156.45 MMT in FY 2025–26. Discussions covered road improvements, drainage, worker welfare, mechanisation, dredging and coordination among port stakeholders. Article Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has reviewed cargo handling operations, infrastructure requirements and stakeholder coordination as it targets more than 170 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2026–27. PPA Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, held an interactive meeting with members of the Paradip Port Stevedores Association on 15 October 2026 in the presence of heads of departments. The discussions focused on addressing operational bottlenecks, improving cargo movement and strengthening coordination between the port administration and stevedoring stakeholders. Paradip Port handled a record 156.45 MMT of cargo in FY 2025–26. The new target represents an increase of around 8.7% over the previous financial year's throughput. Paradip Port Focuses on Cargo Handling and Productivity During the meeting, Purohit called for coordinated efforts by PPA officials and members of the stevedores association to improve productivity and operational efficiency amid global economic uncertainties and regional competition. The discussions also covered measures to strengthen the port's competitive position by addressing operational constraints and improving the movement of cargo through port facilities. Infrastructure Upgrades to Address Operational Bottlenecks PPA outlined several infrastructure improvement measures in response to concerns raised by the Paradip Port Stevedores Association. Road upgrades within and outside the port area are planned alongside the development of suitable cargo-stacking spaces and improved paved surfaces. The measures are intended to facilitate cargo transportation and reduce waterlogging. The proposed works have received approval from the Chief Mechanical Engineer and Chief Engineer. Drainage infrastructure improvements have also been approved, with implementation expected to be taken up promptly. The port administration is separately continuing efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene and welfare facilities for workers and visitors across port premises and residential quarters. Mechanisation and Coordination with Port Operators The meeting addressed the integration of mechanisation and modernisation into port operations while maintaining the business interests of traditional stevedores. PPA, public-private partnership (PPP) operators and the Paradip Port Stevedores Association were identified as key stakeholders in coordinating cargo-handling activities. The discussions focused on operational integration, expanding business opportunities and supporting growth across the port's cargo-handling ecosystem. Dredging, Traffic Management and Green Energy Participants also discussed dredging requirements, traffic management and other issues affecting cargo movement. Purohit emphasised the need for the port administration and the stevedores association to work together to resolve operational challenges. The meeting further addressed industrial relations, stakeholder responsiveness and environmentally sustainable port operations, including green energy initiatives. PPA and the Paradip Port Stevedores Association concluded the meeting with a commitment to closer coordination on infrastructure concerns, cargo handling and productivity. The port's ability to achieve its FY 2026–27 target will depend in part on operational efficiency, infrastructure development and effective coordination among stakeholders. FAQs What is Paradip Port's cargo handling target for FY 2026–27? Paradip Port Authority has set a target of handling more than 170 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in FY 2026–27. How much cargo did Paradip Port handle in FY 2025–26? Paradip Port handled a record 156.45 MMT of cargo in FY 2025–26. What infrastructure improvements are planned at Paradip Port? The measures include road upgrades, improved paved surfaces, additional cargo-stacking spaces, drainage improvements and better sanitation and worker welfare facilities. Who attended the meeting on Paradip Port's operational efficiency? PPA Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit, heads of departments and members of the Paradip Port Stevedores Association attended the meeting. What operational challenges were discussed? The discussions covered cargo movement, dredging requirements, traffic management, mechanisation, coordination with PPP operators and environmentally sustainable port operations.
