In a major step towards modernizing operations and improving workplace safety, Sri Rathendra Raman, Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), inaugurated two new initiatives at the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) on Friday — the Road Train System and the Safety Man Cage at Haldia International Container Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (HICT).
The initiatives, aimed at boosting efficiency and safety standards, mark a milestone in HDC’s transformation into a forward-looking container handling hub.
Road Train System
The newly introduced Road Train System, the first of its kind at HDC, is designed to revolutionize the movement of empty containers within the terminal. A single high-powered truck pulls multiple trailers, allowing simultaneous transfer of containers between the quay and storage yards.
According to SMPK, the system will improve vessel productivity, cut turnaround times, reduce congestion, and lower emissions. It can transport up to four 20-foot or two 40-foot empty containers in one trip, offering significant cost and fuel savings.
Safety Man Cage
Alongside, the Safety Man Cage was also commissioned to enhance worker safety during high-risk operations such as lashing and unlashing containers or performing maintenance tasks at height. Suspended by quay cranes, the foldable man cage can be adapted for both 20-foot and 40-foot containers and is equipped with harness points, anti-fall gates, and non-slip flooring.
Officials said the equipment not only reduces fall risks but also improves operational efficiency by directly lifting workers to required heights, easing fatigue and ensuring compliance with global safety norms.
Leadership Statement
Speaking at the launch, Chairman Rathendra Raman commended HICT for spearheading innovation in port operations.
“Our goal is to build a port ecosystem that prioritizes both operational excellence and the well-being of our workforce. The Road Train System and Safety Man Cage are steps in this direction,” he said.
With these initiatives, SMPK reinforced its commitment to sustainable growth, workplace safety, and modernization, while setting new benchmarks for container handling across the eastern coast.