Paradip, Sept. 24: Manual and mechanised cargo handling operations picked up pace at Paradip port today after a week-long deadlock.

Local service providers had gone on a cease work that led to a standstill in cargo operations.

Normality has been restored in the port operation, including the loading and unloading work in rail wagons and trucks. "Cargo handling operations are going on in full swing. In a day or two, two more ships are scheduled to arrive here for berthing," said Paradip Port Trust traffic manager Damodar Nayak.

However, crack has appeared in the local stevedores' outfit consisting of 10 agencies. Five stevedoring agencies have dissociated themselves from the Paradip Port Stevedores' Association and formed a new outfit called Utkal Stevedores' Association.

"To protect the workers' interest, a new outfit has been formed. We have made up our mind to ensure hassle-free port operations to enhance the port productivity," said Utkal Stevedores' Association general secretary Mahendra Swain.

The strike by local service providers had hit the port badly, with as many as five cargo-laden ships left stranded in the anchorage area. There were also reports of importers and exporters diverting ships to other ports.

"We live on daily wage. The strike had hit us severely. The resumption of port operation is a big relief for us," said Hrushikesh Rout, a port worker.