Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Paradip Port has emerged as the best-performing major port in the country, securing the top overall position in the newly introduced Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI). The achievement highlights the port’s growing role in India’s maritime and logistics ecosystem.
The rankings were announced by Sarbananda Sonowal during a major maritime industry conclave. The LPPI evaluates ports on key parameters such as operational efficiency, cargo handling performance, mechanisation, transparency, turnaround time, and logistics competitiveness, aligning Indian port assessments with international standards.
Paradip Port secured the No. 1 rank in the Dry Bulk Cargo segment, reflecting its dominance in handling commodities such as coal, iron ore, fertilizers, and other bulk cargo. Meanwhile, Sikka Port emerged as the top performer in the Liquid Bulk Cargo category, while Mundra Port led the Container Cargo segment.
Driving India’s Logistics Transformation
The achievement comes at a time when India has significantly improved its standing in global logistics. The country has advanced from 44th to 22nd position in the international shipments category of the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, while seven Indian ports now feature among the world’s top 100 ports.
Paradip’s performance is particularly significant for Odisha, reinforcing the state’s position as a critical gateway for exports, imports, industrial development, and mineral transportation.
New Digital Maritime Governance Initiatives
To further modernize the maritime sector, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched four major digital platforms developed by the Directorate General of Shipping:
- e-Navik – A 24×7 automated grievance redressal system for seafarers.
- e-Samudra – A streamlined digital vessel registration platform aligned with global standards.
- Medical Practitioner Verification Module – Designed to simplify verification of maritime medical professionals.
- Unified Ship Recycling Credit Note Portal – A digital platform supporting environmentally compliant ship recycling.
Boosting Shipbuilding and Recycling
The Unified Ship Recycling Credit Note system is expected to strengthen India’s ship recycling industry by providing financial credits for vessels recycled at compliant Indian facilities. These credits can be utilized under the government’s ambitious ₹70,000-crore shipbuilding development framework, aimed at expanding domestic shipbuilding capacity and enhancing India’s global maritime competitiveness.
Why It Matters for Odisha
For Odisha, Paradip’s top ranking reinforces its status as one of India’s most strategic maritime assets. The port plays a pivotal role in supporting industrial clusters, mineral exports, energy security, and logistics connectivity across eastern India. Its continued rise in national performance rankings is expected to attract further investment in port infrastructure, logistics parks, and maritime-linked industries, contributing significantly to the state’s economic growth trajectory.
