Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has awarded a ₹343.58 crore public-private partnership (PPP) project to Ganges Bulk Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (GBTPL) for the mechanisation of Berth No. 5 at the Haldia Dock Complex, marking a major step towards modernising its cargo infrastructure. The project, to be implemented on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis, aims to enhance cargo handling efficiency at one of eastern India’s key maritime gateways.
Under the agreement, GBTPL will invest the entire project cost of ₹343.58 crore, while the government will provide ₹22.30 crore from internal and extra budgetary resources. The project is targeted for completion by December 2027 and will create a capacity of five million metric tonnes per annum for handling dry bulk cargo.
SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman said the mechanisation of Berth No. 5 would significantly reduce vessel turnaround time, boost throughput, and strengthen Haldia’s position in India’s maritime logistics chain. Port authorities expect the modernisation to lead to faster and more efficient cargo handling, lower logistics costs, and improved competitiveness of eastern India’s ports, thereby delivering long-term economic benefits for industries in the hinterland.
The project is in line with India’s Maritime Vision 2030, which focuses on developing world-class port infrastructure, increasing public-private participation, and making Indian ports globally competitive. As a vital hub in SMPK’s operations, Haldia handles key dry bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, fertilizers, and food grains. The upgraded mechanised berth will enable the port to accommodate larger vessels and carry out loading and unloading operations more swiftly.