Kolkata:In its 153 years history, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata), including Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex, for the first time, has handled 65.66 million ton of Cargo in 2022-23, recording an all time high throughput which is a 12.87 Per cent increase from the previous record of 58.175 million ton moved in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, SMP, Kolkata recorded highest ever growth of Traffic of 7.5 million ton done, in comparison to previous years, which is the highest quantum growth achieved in its history.
SMP, Kolkata had earlier surpassed the Ministry’s target of 61 MMT collectively and individually both at its twin dock systems, viz. HDC (44.50 MMT on 3.3.2023) and KDS (16.50 MMT on 22.03.2023).
P.L.Haranadh said increasing cargo troughput was driven by various measures undertaken by the port to improve productivity, safety, business development capacity utilization, etc.
It is worth mentioning that SMP, Kolkata got elevated from 6th position to 5th position in cargo handling among all the major ports of India for the year 2022-23. Cargo handled at HDC is 48.6 MMT and KDS is 17.05 MMT, thus surpassing the previous year’s throughput with growth rate of 13.37 per cent and 11.47 per cent, respectively.
SMP, Kolkata handled highest ever rail-borne cargo (34.6 MMT) for the financial year 2022-23.
Haranadh further stated that the port registered strong financial performance in 2022-23 by posting net surplus of Rs. 304 crores i.e. net surplus improved by 150 per cent 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.
The port has to reduce the congestion of port and increase of the capacity. Accordingly, the SMPK is planning to develop extended port gate system at Balagarh with an investment at about Rs.445 crores, out of which around Rs. 343 crores will be invested through PPP.
SMPK plans to develop the land parcels owned by it in a systematic way. The detailed master plan is being prepared by SMPK which will be completed by June, 2023. SMPK has already floated EoI for developing a multi-modal logistic terminal near port on about 60 acres of land which is only 2 km from Kolkata Dock. These projects would facilitate warehousing, cold storage, Truck Terminal, Rail and Road connectivity, etc.
SMPK is targeting to start Night Navigation of the vessels destined to/originated from Kolkata Dock System, in association with Antwerp Port, Belgium and IIT Chennai. It plans to bring small vessels upto 100 m by August, 2023 and all vessels by March, 2024 which will reduce turn around time of the vessels substantially increasing the capacity of the port.
Haranadh expressed his gratitude to Sarvananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Santanu Thakur, State Minister and Shripad Naik, State Minister and Sudhansh Pant, Secretary, PSW, for their continued guidance and support which helped SMPK achieve highest ever cargo growth.
He congratulated all the officers, staff and unions, PPP Operators, Stevedores, Stakeholders, etc.
for working like a team to produce the spectacular performance.
Haranadh also thanked Indian Railways, Department of Customs, Government of West Bengal,
NHAI and other organizations for their continued support.
