New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has given the green light to a transformative project, the Re-Construction of Berth No. 8 and Mechanization of Berth Nos. 7 and 8 at Netaji Subhash Dock of KDS, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. This monumental decision, sanctioned by Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, marks a pivotal moment in the port’s journey towards development and efficiency.
The approved project, valued at Rs. 809.18 crore, will be executed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), showcasing the government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and private investment in critical infrastructure.
This initiative is poised to revolutionize the operational landscape of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, bringing forth an integrated cargo handling system that is not only effective and efficient but also environmentally sustainable. The project includes the establishment of additional berthing and cargo handling facilities, enhancing the port’s capacity to handle both import and export activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal stated, “Under the leadership of the Prime Minister and by taking several initiatives at ports, the cargo handling capacity of the ports has doubled in the last ten years. Mechanization at ports isn’t just about upgrading infrastructure; it’s about empowering our nation’s trade ecosystem with efficiency and global competitiveness.”
The Sagarmala Programme, overseeing 62 projects valued at Rs. 16,300 crore in West Bengal, has witnessed significant progress, with 19 completed projects worth approximately Rs. 1,100 crore and 43 projects at various stages of implementation totaling around Rs. 15 thousand crore. The Coastal Districts Skill Development Program – Phase 2 – West Bengal, sanctioned for Rs. 6.32 crore, is in the pipeline to commence.
Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, initiatives have been undertaken to develop world-class, next-generation ports, including the creation of port clusters, deeper drafts, transshipment hubs, and the development of new major ports. This transformative initiative underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to fostering infrastructural development and bolstering maritime commerce. The focus on public-private partnerships and efficiency-driven mechanisms is expected to position Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port as a key player in India’s maritime landscape.
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