The Paradip Port Authority has awarded two cargo handling projects worth ₹1,128 crore to private sector consortia under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) model, marking a significant step toward expanding and modernising its cargo handling infrastructure.
The port has awarded the contract for the mechanisation of an 8 million tonne (MT) capacity multipurpose dry bulk cargo berth to a consortium comprising Bothra Shipping Services Pvt Ltd and Ripley & Co Stevedoring and Handling Pvt Ltd. The consortium secured the project by quoting the highest royalty bid of ₹120.50 per tonne and will invest approximately ₹630 crore in developing the facility. The mechanised berth will be capable of handling dry bulk commodities including coal, iron ore and limestone.
In a separate development, a consortium of Yogayatan Ports Pvt Ltd and Man Infraconstruction Ltd has been awarded the contract to mechanise the South Quay Berth (SQB) after submitting the highest royalty bid of ₹103 per tonne. The project, involving an investment of ₹498 crore, will increase the berth’s cargo handling capacity to 5 MT per annum. The upgraded facility will handle breakbulk cargo, steel, containers and limestone, while excluding coal and iron ore.
Both projects have been awarded on a 30-year concession period, under which the private developers will build, operate and transfer the facilities back to the port authority at the end of the concession.
The twin mechanisation projects are expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance cargo handling capacity and strengthen Paradip Port’s position as one of India’s leading maritime gateways. Paradip is currently the second-largest state-owned cargo handling port in India, after Deendayal Port Authority.