Why is it in the news?

• In FY 2023-2024, Paradip Port in Odisha surpassed Kandla to become the highest cargo handling major port in India.

About Paradip Port

• Paradip Port is situated in the state of Odisha, India. It is located near the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal.
• It was the first major port commissioned on the East Coast of India after independence.
• The port is administered by a Board of Trustees set up by the Government of India.
• In 2020, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘Deepening and Optimization of Inner Harbour Facilities including Development of Western Dock‘ project, aims to enhance the port’s infrastructure to handle cape size vessels.

The Indian government has announced plans to develop Paradip Port, along with Deendayal Port and V.O. Chidambaranar (Tuticorin) Port, as Green Hydrogen hubs.