In a significant step towards enhancing trade logistics, the inaugural ‘Port Link Express’ export train, a pioneering cost-effective and eco-friendly land bridge initiative, departed for Haldia from the Balmer Lawrie Container Freight Station (CFS) today. This first train, operated by Hind Terminals, carried 90 export TEUs of the MSC Line, marking a milestone in logistics in the Haldia-Kolkata-Haldia sector.
The train was ceremoniously flagged off by Sri Samrat Rahi, Dy. Chairman of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), in the august presence of C&MD, Director [Service] of Balmer Lawrie, Regional Sr. Vice President- MSC, Vice President- HTPL, Sr General Manager-Electrosteel Castings, Asst. Comm. of customs. The event was attended by other senior officials from the Port, Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, MSC Line, the shipper M/s Electrosteel Castings Ltd, and the rail operator M/s Hind Terminals.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri SamratRahi emphasized the Port’s commitment to providing seamless, cost-effective and environmentally friendly logistics solutions to the EXIM (Export-Import) trade community. He expressed his gratitude to the Customs authority for providing necessary regulatory support that facilitates the movement of Direct Port Entry (DPE) and Direct Port Delivery (DPD) containers linking the Kolkata and Haldia terminals of SMPK.
The ‘Port Link Express’ is expected to significantly boost trade efficiency by enabling 2 to 3 trains per week to move between Haldia and Kolkata. This initiative not only promises to reduce logistics costs but also aims to lessen the carbon footprint, thereby promoting sustainable trade practices.
The launch event highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in the maritime and logistics sectors. The presence of senior officials from Balmer Lawrie & Co Ltd, MSC Line, Hind Terminals, and the shipper M/s Electrosteel Castings Ltd underscores the collective endeavor to improve trade logistics and operational efficiency.
The ‘Port Link Express initiative is poised to become a vital component of the region’s trade infrastructure, fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Incidentally, the import leg of the ‘Port Link Express’ was flagged off at Haldia on 23.06.24.