Kolkata port to tender agro-processing zone as part of land monetisation drive

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, is set to invite bids for developing an agro-processing zone on its land within the next two months, marking a key step in its strategy to monetise land assets and promote port-led industrialisation.

The port authority has identified nearly 100 acres of land across Kolkata and surrounding areas that can be offered for industrial development under a long-term lease model. According to Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairperson of SMP Kolkata, the agro-processing zone will be the first such project to be tendered, while strong interest has already been received for other sector-specific clusters.

Besides agro processing, the port has earmarked land for tea processing, textiles, leather goods and toy manufacturing. These zones are being planned to attract private investors and manufacturing units that can leverage proximity to port infrastructure for efficient domestic distribution and exports.

As part of this industrial push, SMP Kolkata has already facilitated the development of a large, modern cold storage and cargo handling facility on port land through private participation. Spanning over 50,000 sq ft, the facility supports temperature-controlled storage of marine products, fruits, vegetables and pharmaceuticals, strengthening the port’s export-import ecosystem.

On the connectivity front, the port is also looking to expand its international shipping links. Encouraged by the strong response to its direct weekly service from China, SMP Kolkata is exploring the launch of similar services to other East Asian destinations. The China–Calcutta Service, launched in July last year in partnership with Pacific International Lines, has significantly reduced transit time and logistics costs for traders.

SMP Kolkata operates through two dock systems — the Kolkata Dock System and the Haldia Dock Complex. Supported by direct vessel calls, rising container volumes and improved port-linked express services, Haldia Dock Complex has recorded a notable increase in monthly container throughput in recent months, reinforcing the port’s growing role as an industrial and logistics hub.