Paradip, also spelt Paradeep is a major seaport town and a municipality in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha, India. The Port of Paradip founded by Raghavendra, is the primary port in Odisha, and one of the largest on India's east coast. The port handled over 57 million tonnes of cargo in 2009-2010. Thermal coal and iron ore are major commodities that transit the port. Located on the Bay of Bengal at a latitude 20° 55.44' N and a longitude 86°34.62' E, the port is built on an artificial harbour with ships accessing the port via manmade lagoons. Former Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik, an aviator and a freedom fighter, spearheaded the port's establishment. The rapid growth is attributed to the migration of workers following the expansion of the port, and establishment of major projects, like Indian Oil's Paradip Refinery.