Kolkata, Haldia docks record highest ever traffic growth in 153-year history

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata has handled 65.66 million tonnes of cargo in 2022-23, recording an all-time high throughput which is a 12.87% increase over the 58.175 million tonnes moved in 2021-22.

SMP, Kolkata, which includes Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex, recorded its highest ever growth of traffic of 7.5 million tonnes in 2022-23 which is the highest quantum growth achieved in its 153-year history.

SMP, Kolkata had earlier surpassed the Ministry’s target of 61 million metric tonnes (MMT) collectively and individually at its twin dock systems.

SMP, Kolkata has got elevated from 6th position to the 5th position in cargo handling among all the major ports of India for the year 2022-23.

Cargo handled at Haldia was 48.6 MMT while the Kolkata dock system is 17.05 MMT, thus surpassing the previous year’s throughput with growth rate of 13.37% and 11.47%, respectively.

SMP, Kolkata handled its highest ever rail-borne cargo (34.6 MMT) for the financial year 2022-23.

SMP chairman P.L.Haranadh stated that the port registered a strong financial performance in 2022-23 by posting a net surplus of Rs. 304 crores which improved by 150% compared to the previous years.

“To augment capacity of the port, SMPK is stressing on the PPP Projects in a big way. During the financial year 2022-23, the port has awarded 3 major projects with investment of Rs.730 crores through PPP Mode. These three projects are expected to increase capacity by 6.7 MMT,” Haranadh explained.