Paradip Port expansion to boost PCPIR

| | BHUBANESWAR | in Bhubaneswar

The expansion plans of the Paradip Port would improve the stake of the proposed Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIR) at Paradip, which has an investment potential of over Rs 45,000 crore.

A recent analysis done by the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers revealed that four PCPIRs coming up at Paradip, Dahej (Gujarat), Visakhapatn-am–Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), and Cuddalore Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu).

Paradip would have the most advanced greenfield PCPIR with a total area of 284 sq km and processing area of 123 sq km.

The draft master plan for the proposed PCPIR has been prepared and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) initiated, said sources.

And massive expansion of the Paradip Port would attract more investors. It targets to handle 325 million metric tonne (MMT). Presently, the port is handling 277 MMT.

Currently, the Port is enabled to handle cape size vessels of LOA 300 metres, beam 48 metres, DWT of 1,18,000 with a maximum draft of 14.5 metre.

The proposed Greenfield airport planned at Paradip would also add value to the PCPIR, sources said.

In addition to it, Paradip is proposed to be a Smart Port City, efforts for which have been initiated by the Ministry of Shipping under the Sagarmala Project.

With the petrochemical feed stock from the IOCL, the Paradip Plastic Park will come up in an area of 48.5 hectares.

The Union Government has granted approval for establishment of the PCPIR and ensured the availability of external physical infrastructure linkages to the PCPIR. Besides, it has supported the State Governments concerned in promoting domestic and global investments in the PCPIR.

Recently, a team of the Taiwan Petrochemical Alliance went to Paradip and held discussions with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Chief Secretary AP Padhi and Industries Secretary Sanjeev Chopra regarding investments.

To provide power, water and road and sewerage facilities, proactive steps are being taken up, said the official.

While water supply through the Mahanadi is ensured, power supply through a 220-KV/33-KV substation is being arranged, he said.