Haldia Dock Complex(HDC) of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), is pleased to announce a groundbreaking initiative to establish a land bridge between the Haldia Container Terminal and the Balmer Lawrie Container Freight Station (CFS) in Kolkata. This strategic move aims to leverage the superior draft at Haldia to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of container transport between these two critical points.
In a significant milestone, the first train of the ‘Port Link Express’ left Haldia for Kolkata on 23rd June 2024 with 80 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) arriving at HDC from Shanghai through the recently introduced direct service of SITC Line. This momentous occasion was marked by a flagging-off ceremony led by Sri A. K. Mehra, Deputy Chairman of SMPK in the presence of senior officials of the Port, Terminal Operator HICT, Rail Service provider Pristine Logistics, Balmer CFS and the Shipping Line SITC. The inaugural journey symbolizes the operational commencement of this innovative initiative, promising to set a new standard in container logistics for the region.
The Haldia Terminal, with its higher draft and closer proximity to the Bay of Bengal, offers significant advantages, including reduced transit time through the river. By operating dedicated trains between Haldia and Kolkata, SMPK is not only improving the logistics chain but also promoting an environmentally friendly solution that minimizes carbon emissions associated with road transport.
Several container vessel operators and shipping lines have expressed keen interest in utilizing the Haldia terminal for larger vessels, thus achieving greater economies of scale. These shipping lines need to transport certain import containers to Kolkata to meet the delivery requirements of specific customers. On the return journey, the trains will carry DPE/non-DPE export containers from Kolkata to Haldia.
To ensure seamless handling, reduced transit times and efficient container movement on both legs of the journey, the rakes will be handled at the Haldia International Container Terminal (HICT) and the Balmer Lawrie CFS in Kolkata.
According to Sri A. K Mehra, this initiative by SMPK is set to revolutionize the logistics landscape in the region by offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional road transport. ‘We look forward to the positive impact this will have on the local economy and the environment’ said Sri Mehra.
