The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has awarded a Rs 343.58 crore public-private partnership (PPP) project to Ganges Bulk Terminal (GBTPL) for the mechanisation of berth No. 5 at the Haldia Dock Complex.

The project, to be executed on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis, aims to enhance cargo handling efficiency and enable the berth to manage 5 million metric tonnes of dry bulk cargo annually. Completion is targeted for December 2027.

Under the plan, GBTPL will invest Rs 343.58 crore, while the government will support the project with Rs 22.30 crore through internal and extra budgetary resources. According to SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman, the initiative will significantly boost operational capabilities and reinforce eastern India’s importance in the nation’s maritime trade.

Mechanisation will reduce vessel turnaround time, improve throughput, and bring long-term economic benefits to the regional port sector, thereby contributing to India’s growing logistics and trade infrastructure.