Kolkata Port Steps Into Future With First PPP Terminal
New PPP terminal boosts Kolkata’s trade efficiency.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), unveiled a transformative milestone on Saturday with the inauguration of its first public-private partnership (PPP) terminal at Khidderpore Docks. The state-of-the-art Century Ports Ltd Terminal, constructed at a cost of Rs 190 crore, marks a bold step in modernizing the historic dock system and enhancing Kolkata’s role as a key trade hub.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a mobile harbour crane, a barge unloader, advanced yard equipment, and a sophisticated terminal operating system (TOS), the facility boasts an initial capacity to handle 1.65 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers and 3.3 lakh tonnes of other cargo annually. This development is set to streamline cargo movement, offering seamless connectivity to road, rail, and inland waterways.
“This landmark PPP terminal at Khidderpore Docks is a game-changer, paving the way for increased cargo efficiency and inspiring the modernization of other berths,” said SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman during the inauguration. “It reflects relentless effort, collaboration, and a bold vision for the future of Kolkata’s port infrastructure.”
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The project, formalized through a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2022, is expected to significantly boost trade by optimizing logistics and reducing turnaround times. SMPK highlighted that this is just the beginning, with a robust pipeline of over Rs 4,000-crore PPP projects slated to come online at Kolkata and Haldia docks within the next year. These initiatives aim to further elevate the port’s capacity and establish it as a cornerstone of India’s maritime trade network.
The inauguration has sparked optimism among local businesses and stakeholders, who see the terminal as a catalyst for economic growth in the region. As Kolkata Port continues to modernize, the Century Ports Ltd Terminal stands as a testament to innovation and collaboration, setting a new standard for port operations in India.
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