Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to Boost Haldia Dock's Cargo Handling Capacity by 50% in 5 Years.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, has announced plans to increase the cargo handling capacity of its Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) by approximately 50% over the next five years. The expansion, estimated at ₹2,000 crore, will be facilitated through public-private partnership (PPP) projects, focusing on mechanisation and infrastructure improvements.

Currently, HDC handles around 50 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually. The goal is to ramp up capacity to 75 MMT by 2030, said Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairperson of SMP Kolkata. The port achieved its highest-ever cargo volume last fiscal year, handling 49.54 MMT of cargo, a milestone since its inception.

SMP Kolkata, formerly known as Kolkata Port Trust, operates two major dock systems: the Kolkata Dock

System (KDS) and the Haldia Dock Complex. At HDC, one berth has already been awarded under PPP, and additional berths are set to be awarded in the near future. A consortium of Ripley & Co and Bothra Shipping has emerged as the highest bidder for a 30-year contract to operate a berth at HDC on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, with an investment of ₹600 crore for automation and modernization.

In addition to the main dock, SMP Kolkata is exploring a greenfield project at Shalukkhali to increase liquid cargo handling capacity, aimed at transforming Haldia into a chemical hub.

At KDS, tendering is ongoing for projects at berths 7 and 8 at Netaji Subhash Dock. SMP Kolkata is also developing an outer terminal, designed to be less affected by tides. This project will expand container capacity at KDS to 1 million TEUs from the current 0.65 million TEUs once completed. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has approved the reconstruction of berth No. 8 and mechanisation of berths 7 and 8 at Netaji Subhash Dock, with an estimated project cost of ₹809.18 crore.

In 2023-24, SMP Kolkata achieved a milestone by handling 66.4 MMT of cargo, surpassing the previous year’s record of 65.66 MMT. The port aims to maintain its strong performance in the current fiscal year, targeting a cargo throughput of 65-66 MMT.

HBL