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PPA Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit reviews Phase I development, focusing on mechanisation, cargo handling efficiency and improved rail-road connectivity at JPPL berth.
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) Chairperson Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE, reviewed the development and operational readiness of the Western Dock terminal at the Jindal Paradip Port Limited (JPPL) berth, with a focus on commissioning Phase I and strengthening cargo-handling infrastructure.
The review covered berth operations, infrastructure development and measures to improve terminal productivity. Discussions with senior PPA officials and JPPL representatives, including Deputy CEO Sandeep Jaiswal, focused on achieving full berth mechanisation, improving cargo handling efficiency and strengthening rail and road connectivity for cargo evacuation.
Phase I Designed for 12.5 Million Tonnes Annually:
Phase I of the Western Dock project is designed to handle 12.5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The wider project envisages a total dry bulk cargo handling capacity of 25 MTPA and is being developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model.
The review assessed progress towards commissioning and operationalising the facility. The planned capacity is intended to expand Paradip Port’s ability to handle dry bulk commodities and support cargo demand from industrial and trade sectors.
The successful berthing of deep-draft Capesize vessels was also highlighted during the visit, demonstrating the terminal’s role in accommodating large vessels for bulk cargo operations.
Mechanisation and Cargo Evacuation in Focus:
Achieving 100% berth mechanisation was a key priority during the review. Mechanised handling systems can support cargo movement and terminal productivity, while efficient evacuation arrangements are essential to managing volumes at the planned capacity.
PPA and JPPL representatives also discussed improving rail and road connectivity to facilitate the movement of cargo from the terminal to inland destinations.
The effectiveness of these connections will be important in limiting logistics bottlenecks and ensuring that cargo can be moved efficiently beyond the port. Terminal handling capacity and landside evacuation capability will need to work together as operations develop.
Safety, Sustainability and Technology:
The review also addressed sustainable port operations, compliance with safety standards, technology-driven logistics solutions and the integration of multimodal cargo evacuation systems.
These measures form part of the broader operational requirements for developing the Western Dock terminal. Coordination between berth operations, cargo-handling systems and inland transport links will be important to supporting reliable service delivery.
Western Dock to Expand Paradip’s Bulk Cargo Capabilities:
The Western Dock project is part of the ongoing development of Paradip Port’s infrastructure and cargo-handling capabilities on India’s eastern coast.
With Phase I designed for 12.5 MTPA and the wider project targeting 25 MTPA, the development is intended to increase dry bulk handling capacity and support maritime trade.
The next milestones will centre on commissioning Phase I, progressing mechanisation and ensuring effective rail and road connectivity. The extent to which the terminal achieves its planned throughput will depend on operational readiness, cargo demand and the efficiency of its wider logistics connections.
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