Paradip Port Cargo Handling Push Targets Over 170 Million Tonnes in FY27

Summary

Paradip Port Authority has reviewed operational constraints and infrastructure improvements with its stevedores as it pursues cargo throughput exceeding 170 million tonnes in 2026–27. The discussions covered roads, drainage, mechanisation and coordination, building on last year’s record volumes and a recent single-day coal-loading milestone.

Stevedores’ meeting focuses on operational improvements

Paradip Port cargo handling was the focus of discussions led by Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit with the Paradip Port Stevedores Association and departmental heads, detailed in an October 15 announcement.

Approved improvements include roads, paved cargo-stacking areas and drainage to reduce waterlogging. Worker welfare, sanitation, dredging requirements and traffic management also featured.

Purohit called for closer cooperation between the authority, stevedores and public-private partnership operators, supporting mechanisation while protecting traditional operators’ legitimate business interests.

Higher target follows record annual throughput

The ambition to exceed 170 million tonnes would require at least 13.55 million tonnes of additional cargo compared with the 156.45 million tonnes handled in 2025–26.

That represents growth of more than 8.7%, indicating the scale of the operational challenge facing the port and its service providers.

The previous financial year provides a substantial starting point. Paradip recorded its highest annual throughput since operations began in 1966, despite weaker iron ore export demand and disruptions affecting imports of limestone and fertiliser raw materials.

Its reported berth productivity reached 35,059 tonnes per day per berth. Coastal cargo accounted for 65.81 million tonnes, or 42.06% of total traffic, demonstrating the importance of domestic maritime movements alongside overseas trade.

Cargo diversity supports the growth effort

Paradip’s recent performance reflects several industrial cargo streams.

During 2025–26, petroleum, oil and lubricants handling increased 25.68%, while steel cargo grew 43%. Coal volumes rose 4.44%, flux handling increased 18.32%, and container traffic expanded 7.77%.

The port serves a mineral-rich hinterland and industries requiring substantial movements of fuel, raw materials and finished products. This diversity creates opportunities for growth, but also requires different handling arrangements across terminals, storage areas and transport connections.

The commercial task is therefore broader than increasing loading speeds at individual berths. Cargo must move through the entire port system without delays simply transferring from one operational stage to another.

Coal-loading milestone demonstrates existing capability

An earlier operational achievement underlines the productivity available from Paradip’s mechanised infrastructure.

On October 10, the Mechanised Coal Handling Plant loaded 140,022 tonnes across two vessels, M.V. APJ Indrani and M.V. Ripley Pinnacle.

The performance exceeded the previous single-day record of 137,500 tonnes, established on May 29, 2022, by 2,522 tonnes.

Purohit recognised the contribution of workers, officers and plant personnel to the achievement.

The record provides a concrete example of coordinated cargo operations. However, a peak daily result is different from sustained annual performance. Meeting the financial-year target will require dependable productivity across repeated vessel calls, supported by equipment availability and uninterrupted cargo supply.

Western Dock adds a longer-term capacity dimension

Paradip’s efficiency programme sits alongside its Western Dock development.

The project was approved to accommodate Capesize vessels, with an ultimate capacity of 25 million tonnes annually in two phases of 12.5 million tonnes each.

The original development framework combines a private concessionaire’s terminal investment with common supporting infrastructure provided by the port authority.

Its deeper-draft vessel capability is intended to support larger shipments and improve the economics of bulk transport. These planned benefits complement operational improvements within existing facilities.

Capacity and throughput nevertheless remain distinct measures. New infrastructure establishes the potential to handle cargo; actual traffic depends on customer demand, vessel deployment and the reliability of connecting logistics.

Port users will look for consistent service

For cargo owners, the practical value of the latest discussions will lie in execution.

Better internal circulation and reliable storage access can support smoother movements between berths and inland transport. Effective coordination can also help stevedores and terminal operators plan equipment and labour around vessel requirements.

The significance of the meeting is its attention to everyday constraints alongside expansion. Achieving higher annual volumes will depend on both: sufficient infrastructure and consistent performance across the organisations responsible for moving cargo through the port.

FAQs

What is Paradip Port’s cargo target for 2026–27?

More than 170 million tonnes.

How much cargo did it handle in 2025–26?

A record 156.45 million tonnes.

Which improvements were discussed with stevedores?

Roads, cargo-stacking surfaces, drainage, worker facilities and operational coordination.

What was the recent coal-loading record?

The Mechanised Coal Handling Plant loaded 140,022 tonnes across two vessels on October 10, 2026.

What capacity is planned for the Western Dock?

An ultimate annual capacity of 25 million tonnes, developed in two phases.