Paradip Port Authority achieved a record cargo handling of 14.44 million metric tonnes (MMT) in January 2026, surpassing the previous record of 14.32 MMT from January 2024. This milestone underscores the port’s growth and operational capacity, attributed to continuous infrastructure upgrades and improved coordination. Chairman Shri P L Haranadh acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders and emphasized ongoing efforts toward modernization and operational excellence, positioning Paradip Port to support India’s trade and economic development as it aspires to become a world-class mega port.
Operational Efficiency Strong
Paradip Port, one of India’s most important major ports on the eastern coast, has created history by achieving its highest ever cargo handling for the month of January at 14.44 million metric tonnes (MMT). This milestone highlights the port’s rising operational efficiency, strong hinterland connectivity, and its growing role in supporting India’s trade and industrial ecosystem. The achievement reflects not only improved port infrastructure but also increased demand from core sectors such as steel, coal, fertilisers, and petroleum products. As India continues to strengthen its maritime logistics network, Paradip Port has emerged as a critical gateway for bulk cargo movement in eastern India.
The record-breaking performance comes at a time when Indian ports are under pressure to handle higher volumes efficiently due to rising domestic consumption and export demand. Paradip Port’s consistent growth places it among the top-performing ports in the country and reinforces its strategic importance in India’s maritime landscape One of the key reasons behind this achievement is Paradip Port’s diversified cargo profile. The port handles a wide range of dry bulk, liquid bulk, and containerized cargo, with coal and iron ore forming a major share. In January, strong demand from power plants, steel manufacturers, and fertilizer units drove higher cargo movement.
Adoption Of Advanced Cargo
Additionally, improved evacuation systems such as rail and road connectivity ensured faster turnaround of vessels, minimizing congestion and delays Paradip Port has also benefited from continuous investments in mechanization and digital systems. The adoption of advanced cargo (India) handling equipment, automated berths, and port community systems has enhanced productivity while reducing human intervention. These upgrades have enabled the port to handle larger vessels efficiently, thereby increasing monthly throughput. Such technological advancements are increasingly becoming standard across major Indian ports, contributing to the overall growth of the logistics and supply chain sector.
Another crucial factor contributing to the January record is Paradip Port’s strong hinterland connectivity. The port serves mineral-rich states such as Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and parts of West Bengal, making it a vital export-import hub for industries located in these regions. Dedicated rail corridors, improved highway links, and coordination with Indian Railways have ensured smooth cargo evacuation even during peak demand periods. This integrated approach has helped Paradip Port maintain operational stability while scaling up volumes From an economic perspective, the record cargo handling at Paradip Port signals positive momentum for India’s industrial.
Promote Port Led Development
And trade sectors. Higher cargo volumes indicate increased production, stronger energy demand, and robust movement of raw materials and finished goods. This performance also supports the government’s Sagarmala Programme, which aims to promote port-led development and reduce logistics costs across the country. Paradip Port’s success serves as a benchmark for other ports striving to improve efficiency and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global trade environment The port’s management has emphasized that operational discipline, workforce coordination, and stakeholder collaboration played a vital role in achieving this milestone.
Shipping lines, terminal operators, customs authorities, and logistics providers worked in sync to ensure uninterrupted operations throughout the month. Such collaboration is essential for sustaining high performance levels, especially as cargo volumes are expected to rise further in the coming years due to infrastructure expansion and industrial growth Paradip Port is poised for further growth with several capacity expansion and modernization projects in the pipeline. These include berth augmentation, dredging for deeper drafts, and enhanced mechanized handling facilities. Once completed, these projects will enable the port to accommodate larger vessels and handle even higher cargo volumes efficiently.
Port’s Highest Ever January
This forward-looking approach ensures that Paradip Port remains competitive and resilient amid global trade fluctuations Paradip Port’s highest-ever January cargo handling of 14.44 MMT is more than just a numerical milestone. It represents the port’s operational (India) maturity, strategic relevance, and contribution to India’s economic development. As India continues to focus on infrastructure-led growth, Paradip Port stands out as a strong example of how efficient port operations can drive regional and national progress.
