<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">A high-level delegation from the <b>Department of
Economic Affairs (DEA)</b>, Ministry of Finance, recently conducted a
comprehensive visit to <b>Paradip Port</b>. The visit was aimed at reviewing
the port’s massive infrastructure projects, its operational efficiency, and its
pivotal role in the "Eastern Gateway" strategy for India’s
international trade.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Key Assessment Areas & Strategic
Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Infrastructure
Audit</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:
"Times New Roman",serif">: The delegation inspected the progress of the <b>₹3,000-crore
Western Dock project</b>, which is designed to transform Paradip into a
world-class, deep-draft port capable of handling Cape-size vessels.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Logistics
Efficiency</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">: Discussions focused on the port’s
integration with the <b>PM Gati Shakti</b> National Master Plan,
emphasizing rail-road connectivity and the optimization of coal and iron
ore supply chains.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Financial
& Operational Growth</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;
line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">: DEA officials
reviewed the port’s recent record-breaking performance in cargo
throughput, evaluating how strategic investments are translating into
enhanced revenue and regional economic impact.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Digitalization
Roadmap</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">: The review included a look at the
port’s transition toward automated terminal operations and the
implementation of digital logistics tools to reduce vessel turnaround
time.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Strategic Importance<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">The
Eastern Gateway</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">: Paradip Port is a critical node for
India’s energy security, serving as the primary hub for coastal shipping
of thermal coal to power plants across the southern and western coasts.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Industrial
Synergy</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">: The visit highlighted the port’s
role in supporting the massive industrial clusters in Odisha and
neighboring states, facilitating the export of steel and aluminum.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">Future
Investment</span></b><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;
font-family:"Times New Roman",serif">: The DEA's involvement signals
continued federal support for large-scale maritime infrastructure,
ensuring that Paradip remains competitive against global maritime hubs.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>