Paradip: Continuing its strong operational performance, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) registered its highest-ever cargo handling of 156.45 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2025–26, marking the best performance in its history since commencing operations in 1966.
The port recorded a growth of 4.01 per cent over the previous financial year, joining the 155+ MMT club and reinforcing its position as the leading major port on the eastern coast.
The achievement comes despite challenging market conditions, including a decline in export demand for iron ore and disruptions in imports of limestone and fertiliser raw materials due to the West Asia crisis.
PPA continued to lead cargo handling among all ports — both major and non-major — on the eastern coast. It also maintained its position as the best-performing bulk port, with berth productivity of 35,059 MT per day per berth, nearly double the national average of around 18,000 MT.
Coastal cargo handling accounted for 42.06 per cent of the total volume at 65.81 MMT, making Paradip the leading port in coastal shipping among major ports. During the fiscal year, petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) handling rose by 25.68 per cent, while steel cargo increased by 43 per cent. Coal handling grew by 4.44 per cent, container traffic rose by 7.77 per cent, and flux handling increased by 18.32 per cent. LPG handling registered a 105 per cent increase.
The port’s hinterland, rich in mineral resources such as iron ore, coal and limestone, along with the presence of major steel plants and fertiliser industries, continued to support cargo growth.
Among terminal operators, Kalinga International Coal Terminal Pvt Ltd recorded a growth of 18.92 per cent, while Paradip International Cargo Terminal Pvt Ltd reported a 19.53 per cent increase, with both achieving their highest-ever cargo volumes.
Paradip Port also reported its best financial performance in FY 2025–26, with its net surplus crossing Rs 2,000 crore for the first time and an operating ratio of 31 per cent, the lowest so far.
The 25 MMTPA Western Dock Project is progressing and is expected to be completed by 2026. Plans are underway to establish a green hydrogen and ammonia export terminal, and steps have been initiated to modernise all berths. The port aims to become the country’s first fully mechanised bulk port before 2030.
PPA chairman PL Haranadh congratulated stakeholders, including exporters, importers, employees, staff unions, PPP operators, stevedores and shipping agents, for their contribution to the achievement. He also acknowledged the support of Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal, minister of state Shantanu Thakur, the Ministry of Railways, the Odisha government and the Department of Customs.
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