Bhubaneswar, Sep 9: Odisha’s position as an important industrial and logistics hub on India’s eastern coast is set to receive a further boost after Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) emerged as the highest bidder to develop and operate two dry bulk berths at Paradip Port.
The project will add around 18 million metric tonnes (MMT) of annual cargo-handling capacity and marks APSEZ’s entry into Paradip, one of the country’s largest and busiest ports. The expansion is expected to strengthen the movement of bulk commodities and improve logistics support for industries operating across Odisha and the wider eastern and central Indian region.
Paradip already has a strong position in India’s maritime economy. The port handled a record 156.45 MMT of cargo in FY2025-26, registering about 4 per cent growth from the previous year and ranking second among India’s major ports by cargo volume. Its location close to mineral-rich areas and major industrial centres has made it an important gateway for coal, iron ore, steel, petroleum products, fertiliser-related cargo and other commodities.
The two new berths are expected to improve the port’s ability to handle dry bulk cargo at a time when Odisha continues to attract investments in steel, mining, power, manufacturing and other industries. Efficient cargo movement is particularly important for these sectors because large volumes of raw materials and finished products need to move regularly between mines, factories, ports and markets.
For Odisha, the development has significance beyond the port itself. Greater cargo-handling capacity can strengthen the state’s logistics network and support businesses that depend on reliable movement of raw materials. It can also improve the attractiveness of industrial locations by providing companies with better access to maritime transportation and national as well as international markets.
The expansion comes as Paradip is undergoing a wider modernisation drive. The port has completed dredging to an 18.5-metre draft and is working towards increasing mechanisation and developing additional berths capable of handling large vessels. The port has also set out plans to become a fully mechanised bulk port before 2030.
The new APSEZ project could therefore become part of a larger transformation of Odisha’s maritime infrastructure. More efficient ports can help reduce delays, improve cargo turnaround and strengthen supply chains for industries located not only in Odisha but also in neighbouring states.
The development is also relevant for Odisha’s ambition to expand manufacturing and attract fresh investment. A stronger logistics backbone can make it easier for companies to plan large industrial projects, particularly in sectors where transportation costs form a significant part of overall business expenses.
For APSEZ, the project strengthens its presence on India’s eastern coast and adds capacity to its wider port network. The company’s domestic port portfolio capacity is expected to rise to around 671 MMT following the Paradip project.
The investment also highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in expanding India’s port infrastructure. Bringing private-sector expertise and modern cargo-handling systems into major ports can help improve operational efficiency while supporting long-term capacity expansion.
For Odisha, the larger opportunity lies in connecting port growth with industrial development. As cargo volumes rise, demand can increase for warehousing, trucking, logistics services, equipment, maintenance and other supporting businesses around the port ecosystem.
The Paradip expansion therefore comes at an important time for Odisha. With the port handling record cargo volumes and the state continuing to develop its industrial base, additional capacity can strengthen the connection between Odisha’s natural resources, manufacturing industries and domestic and global markets.
The project is ultimately more than an expansion of port capacity. For Odisha, it represents another step towards building a stronger logistics and industrial ecosystem, with the potential to support investment, trade, manufacturing and economic activity across the state and the wider eastern region.
