JSW Infrastructure, India’s second-largest private port operator and part of the JSW Group, has expressed interest in evaluating the proposed deep-sea port project at Dadanpatrabar in West Bengal, signaling confidence in the state’s anticipated industrial growth under the new government.
Speaking on the development, JSW Infrastructure Joint Managing Director and CEO Rinkesh Roy said the company would assess the viability of the new location, particularly focusing on the navigational channel and regulatory clearances. The Dadanpatrabar proposal replaces the earlier Tajpur port project, for which JSW Infrastructure had previously participated in the bidding process.
The new site was recently announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who highlighted the availability of government land and the potential for integrated infrastructure development, including warehousing, rail links and road connectivity. Industry sources indicate that the proposed location may also offer a more favorable navigational channel than Tajpur.
Alongside its interest in the new port project, JSW Infrastructure is advancing major investments at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). The company has secured a Letter of Award from the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority for the integrated development of two outer terminals and five berths at Netaji Subhas Dock. Combined with two previously awarded berths, the project will enable JSW Infrastructure to handle up to 1.4 million TEUs annually, equivalent to approximately 16–17 million tonnes of cargo.
The company plans to invest nearly ₹1,500 crore in redeveloping six berths, constructing new container terminals and introducing advanced mechanisation to improve operational efficiency. The upgrades are expected to reduce vessel turnaround times, increase container handling capacity and lower freight costs by enabling ships to complete more voyages annually.
Roy emphasized that despite the challenges associated with the lower draught of a riverine port, Kolkata retains a strategic advantage due to its proximity to key consumption centres. With capacity utilisation at Netaji Subhas Dock exceeding 90 percent and cargo volumes growing at double-digit rates, JSW Infrastructure sees significant opportunities for expansion.
The company’s investments align with its broader national strategy to increase port handling capacity to 300 million tonnes by 2028 and double EBITDA to ₹5,000 crore, while supporting the anticipated industrial resurgence in eastern India.
