Bhubaneswar, Apr 2 (Reporter) Paradip Port has retained its position as the leading cargo-handling port among Indian major ports and has joined the exclusive 150 MMT Club by recording a cargo throughput of 150.41 MMT in FY 2024-25. According to port sources on Wednesday, despite significant market challenges, such as a decline in export demand for iron ore and coking coal, Paradip Port maintained its No. 1 ranking in cargo handling among all ports, including both major and non-major ports along India's eastern coast. This remarkable growth has been made possible due to various system improvement measures introduced by the port during the year. Coastal cargo handling accounted for 42.36 percent of the total cargo volume, showing a 7.65 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth, reaching 63.71 MMT, thereby making PPA the top-ranked Indian major port in coastal shipping. Similarly, containerized cargo volume grew by 111percent, while flux volume surged by 32 percent YoY in the current fiscal year. During the last fiscal year, Paradip Port handled the highest volume of rail traffic in its history. The number of rakes handled by the port grew by 5.32 percent, reaching a significant 22,818 rakes, while total rail-borne traffic surged by 3.21percent, reaching 81.01 MMT, the highest among Indian major ports. Paradip Port also set a new milestone with the introduction of EXIM container traffic, recording 12,711 TEUs last fiscal year. Additionally, it retained its No. 1 position in berth productivity, achieving 34,283 MT per day per berth. Among the PPA terminal operators, Kalinga International Coal Terminal Pvt. Ltd. recorded a 15.18 percent YoY growth, while Paradip East Quay Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd. registered 12.53 percent YoY growth, marking their highest-ever cargo volumes. According to Paradip Port sources, the construction of the 25 MMTPA Western Dock Project by M/s JPPL is progressing rapidly, with the first phase scheduled for completion by 2026. Additionally, plans for a new green hydrogen/ammonia export terminal are in the pipeline. Congratulating the entire team—including exporters, importers, officers, staff unions, PPP operators, stevedores, and shipping agents—Paradip Port Authority Chairman P. L. Haranadh credited this remarkable achievement to their collective efforts. Haranadh also extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Railways, the Odisha Government, and the Department of Customs for their support in the port's continued success...////...