Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, is planning to float a tender within the next two months for the development of an agro processing zone on port-owned land, marking a key step in its land monetisation and port-led industrialisation strategy.
The port authority, formerly known as Kolkata Port Trust, has identified around 100 acres of land across Kolkata and adjoining areas for industrial development. These land parcels are proposed to be leveraged to attract private investment and create additional revenue streams for the port.
Speaking on the initiative, Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairperson, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, said preparations for the agro processing zone are at an advanced stage and the tendering process will be initiated shortly. He added that the port has also received expressions of interest for setting up a toy manufacturing zone.
In addition to the agro processing zone, SMP Kolkata plans to develop several sector-specific industrial clusters, including zones dedicated to tea processing, textiles, leather, and toy manufacturing. According to the port authority, land for these proposed clusters has already been earmarked and is available for prospective industry players.
Rahi said the port is considering a land lease model for developing these industrial zones, under which private players would establish manufacturing and processing units while the port retains ownership of the land. The model is expected to optimise the use of underutilised port land, reduce idle assets, and support port-linked industrial growth.
The proposed developments are aligned with the Centre’s focus on port-led development and multimodal logistics integration. By promoting value-added activities such as agro and tea processing close to port facilities, SMP Kolkata aims to boost cargo generation, enhance logistics efficiency, and create employment opportunities in the region.
The upcoming tender for the agro processing zone is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing these objectives and positioning SMP Kolkata as a hub for port-led industrial activity.
