The Syamaprasad Mookerjee Port, also known as Kolkata Port, aims to alleviate congestion in the state capital by constructing an underground tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. Alongside this endeavor, the port trust is considering the installation of an additional floating crane at Diamond Harbour and the development of the first multi-modal logistics park in Kolkata. The port’s chairman, Rathendra Raman, confirmed that talks with a consultant are underway regarding the tunnel project, and a study report is expected in the coming months.
The installation of floating cranes at anchorages to expedite transshipment cargo handling is among the port’s top priorities. The floating crane, positioned at Diamond Harbour, will facilitate the lifting of both cargo and containers. The port also plans to widen the Diamond Harbour road for improved connectivity to Falta and Roychawk, establish a freight corridor up to Dankuni, and expand NH 116 to connect Kolaghat and Haldia. Moreover, a RoRo jetty on the Howrah side of the Hooghly River is in the pipeline.
To develop the first multi-modal logistics park in Kolkata, the port has initiated the process by inviting expressions of interest for the allotment of 60 acres of land on a 30-year lease. The logistics park will feature a modern warehousing complex equipped with cold storage facilities, a truck terminal, railway connectivity, and other essential amenities.