In a milestone development for Eastern India’s maritime trade, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) and JSW Infrastructure today signed a concession agreement for the mechanisation of Berth No. 7 and 8 at Netaji Subhas Dock (NSD) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
The project, with an estimated capital expenditure of around ₹700 crore, marks a landmark transition of NSD into a PPP-operated terminal. The concession has been awarded to JSW Infrastructure on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis for a period of 30 years.
Under the agreement, JSW Infrastructure will reconstruct Berth No. 8 and mechanise both Berth 7 and 8 with modern cargo-handling systems, including rail-mounted quay cranes and advanced yard facilities. The fully mechanised terminal is projected to handle close to 450,000 TEUs annually, significantly enhancing SMPK’s container throughput capacity.
The project is expected to be completed within two years, though JSW Infrastructure will be permitted to commence operations in part even while construction activities are underway. This move is anticipated to reduce ship turnaround time, cut logistics costs for trade, and strengthen hinterland connectivity in the eastern region.
Speaking on the occasion, port officials termed the project a “transformational step” towards improving Kolkata Port’s competitiveness, while industry experts said it would attract more mainline and feeder services to the east coast.
The Berth 7 & 8 project is one of the largest PPP initiatives undertaken by SMPK in recent years and is expected to catalyse further private sector participation in modernising India’s oldest riverine port.
