SMP Kolkata Cargo Volumes Rise 4 Per Cent

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, handled 34.75 million tonnes of cargo in H1 FY27, supported by mechanised berths, PPP terminals, digital processes and planned dredging.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, recorded 34.75 million tonnes (MT) of cargo handling in the first half of FY2026-27, an increase of 1.34 MT year-on-year and about 4 per cent growth. The port comprises the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), and has set an annual cargo handling target of 74 MT for FY27.

Infrastructure Supports Higher Throughput

SMP Kolkata Chairman Rathindra Raman said the growth was driven by infrastructure development, including new berths and jetties, greater participation of public-private partnership (PPP) operators in terminal operations, use of information technology and stronger marketing efforts.

The port has maximised mechanised berths to enable faster cargo handling with minimal manual intervention. It has also increased the use of PPP-operated berths and deployed floating cranes at anchorages to handle larger vessels.

Digital and Commercial Measures

SMP Kolkata has introduced promotional rebates on vessel-related and cargo-related charges to attract additional traffic. It has also digitised documentation through its ‘One Port, One Process’ initiative, aimed at simplifying port operations and improving ease of doing business.

The port is encouraging light industries under the PPP model, including agricultural, marine, tea and apparel processing units near the port. These facilities are expected to generate additional cargo and strengthen the port’s hinterland linkages.

Dredging and Twin Tunnel Plans

To improve navigational capacity, SMP Kolkata has engaged IIT-Madras for a comprehensive feasibility study on capital dredging to enhance channel depth. Deeper draft access could allow larger vessels and support higher cargo throughput.

A twin tunnel is also planned beneath the Hooghly river to connect the port with national highways. The link is expected to bypass city traffic restrictions and congestion, improving road connectivity and cargo evacuation from the port.

FAQs

1. How much cargo did SMP Kolkata handle in H1 FY27?
SMP Kolkata handled 34.75 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of FY2026-27, up 1.34 MT or about 4 per cent year-on-year.

2. What is SMP Kolkata’s cargo target for FY27?
The port has set a cargo handling target of 74 million tonnes for FY2026-27.

3. What measures are driving cargo growth at SMP Kolkata?
Growth is being supported by mechanised berths, PPP-operated terminals, floating cranes, infrastructure development, IT adoption, cargo rebates and marketing initiatives.

4. How will capital dredging help the port?
Capital dredging is expected to enhance channel depth, potentially improving vessel access and supporting higher cargo volumes. SMP Kolkata has engaged IIT-Madras for a feasibility study.