The union minister of ports, shipping and waterways inaugurated seven infrastructure projects worth Rs 4.28 billion at Paradip Port in Odisha, on August 21, 2026. The biggest project is the Rs 3.52 billion capital dredging initiative, which will give the port an 18.5-metre deep-draft capability, allowing fully laden capesize vessels to enter the inner harbour and helping reduce logistics and turnaround costs.
Other major projects include the Rs 248.9 million Atharbanki Second New Bridge, a 500-metre, three-lane bridge expected to ease congestion for nearly 3,000 trucks a day; a Rs 155 million advanced vessel traffic management system using radar, artificial intelligence, automatic identification system and CCTV; and Rs 200 for piped natural gas to 546 residential quarters.
In addition, Paradip Port Authority signed Rs 15.8 billion in concession agreements for three berth-mechanisation projects, aimed at achieving 100 per cent berth mechanisation by 2030 and improving cargo-handling efficiency.