PARADIP: In a significant infrastructure development aimed at strengthening connectivity to one of India’s major maritime gateways, Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has constructed the new Atharabanki Bridge at a project cost of ₹24.89 crore. The 500-metre-long, three-lane bridge is expected to improve traffic movement, facilitate smoother transportation and enhance accessibility around Paradip Port.
The project addresses a key connectivity requirement in the port region, where nearly 3,000 trucks move through Paradip Port every day. By upgrading the existing road infrastructure, the new bridge is expected to help ease congestion, improve the movement of cargo-carrying vehicles and support more efficient port-related logistics operations.
Modern Infrastructure to Address Growing Traffic Demand
The newly constructed bridge marks a major upgrade over the decades-old two-lane bridge, whose capacity and configuration presented limitations for the increasing transportation requirements of the port and its surrounding areas.
With three traffic lanes, the new structure is designed to provide improved road access and facilitate the movement of commercial vehicles serving the port. Better connectivity is expected to benefit transport operators, logistics service providers and other stakeholders associated with Paradip’s cargo-handling ecosystem.
Key Features of the Atharabanki Bridge
The infrastructure project incorporates several important features:
- Length: 500 metres
- Configuration: Three-lane bridge
- Structural component: 30-metre composite girder
- Project cost: ₹24.89 crore
- Additional facilities: Dedicated footpaths and a pipeline corridor
The inclusion of dedicated footpaths provides designated space for pedestrians, while the pipeline corridor offers infrastructure provision for pipeline-related requirements.
Strengthening Paradip’s Logistics Ecosystem
As a major maritime gateway on India’s eastern coast, Paradip Port plays a vital role in supporting the movement of cargo and facilitating trade. Efficient road connectivity is essential to ensuring the smooth movement of trucks between the port and the wider regional transportation network.
The Atharabanki Bridge is expected to contribute to improved traffic management, more reliable road access and enhanced operational efficiency for port-linked transportation. Reduced congestion could also help minimise delays for commercial vehicles and improve the overall movement of goods.
Beyond port operations, the infrastructure upgrade is expected to support regional accessibility and economic activity by strengthening a key transport link in the Paradip area.
Infrastructure Investment for Future Growth
The construction of the Atharabanki Bridge reflects the importance of upgrading supporting infrastructure to keep pace with the evolving needs of ports, trade and logistics. As cargo movement and road transportation requirements grow, investments in bridges and connectivity corridors become increasingly important for improving the efficiency of the broader supply chain.
By replacing the limitations of an ageing two-lane bridge with a modern three-lane structure, Paradip Port Authority has taken another step towards strengthening the port’s supporting infrastructure.
The project reinforces the role of efficient connectivity in facilitating cargo movement, supporting regional development and enhancing the overall performance of India’s maritime logistics network.
