PARADIP: Paradip Port Authority (PPA) welcomed Dr. Ashok Kumar Lahiri, Vice Chairperson, NITI Aayog, during his official visit to Odisha, where he reviewed the port’s modern maritime infrastructure and operational capabilities.
During the visit, Dr. Lahiri toured the Paradip Port harbour along with Shri T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairperson, Paradip Port Authority, and witnessed the port’s maritime operations, vessel movements and cargo-handling facilities.
Dr. Lahiri appreciated the port’s ongoing modernisation initiatives, its 16.5-metre draft, operational efficiency and planned expansion projects. Highlighting the importance of modern infrastructure in building a stronger and more competitive India, he described such infrastructure assets as “the modern Taj Mahals” that would remain as a legacy for the nation.
The visit provided an opportunity to showcase Paradip Port’s growing role in strengthening India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem. With continued investments in capacity augmentation, modernisation and operational efficiency, Paradip Port is positioning itself to support the country’s growing trade and logistics requirements.
Professor Prabhakar Sahu, Program Director, Economics & Finance and Nodal Officer, NITI Aayog, Odisha, and Shri Sundara Madhaba Padhi, IAS, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Odisha Maritime Board, were also present during the visit, along with senior officials of Paradip Port Authority.
Paradip Port continues to play a strategic role in India’s maritime growth story and remains committed to enhancing infrastructure, operational capabilities and logistics efficiency in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.
