In its 154-year history, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) including Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), achieved a milestone in the fiscal year 2023-24 by handling 66.4 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of Cargo, marking a 1.11% increase from the previous record of 65.66 million tonnes moved in 2022-23.

Chairman Shri Rathendra Raman attributed this unprecedented throughput to a series of strategic initiatives implemented by the port to enhance productivity, safety measures, business development, and overall capacity utilization.

Highlighting HDC's significant contribution, Shri Raman noted that the complex handled 49.54 MMT in FY 2023-24, marking its highest cargo volume ever since its inception and surpassing the previous record of 48.608 MMT in FY 2022-23, representing an increase of 1.91%. Meanwhile, KDS managed 16.856 MMT of cargo in 2023-24 compared to 17.052 MMT in 2022-23.

The Chairperson emphasized the port's robust financial performance in 2023-24, achieving a net surplus of Rs. 501.73 crores as well, a significant 65% growth over the previous year's net surplus of Rs. 304.07 crores, marking a remarkable accomplishment.

To augment capacity of the port, SMP Kolkata is stressing on the PPP Projects in a big way.

A Major push for PPP Projects:

✓Concession awarded by SMPK for 2 PPP projects costing Rs 480 Crore  for Rejuvenation of KPD-I West (Cost Rs. 181.81 crores) and Mechanization of Berth no. 2 at HDC (Cost 298.28 Crore) which could lead to Incremental Capacity Addition of 6.78 MMT (approx.)

✓ Three more projects (Berth No 5 for HDC, Strengthening & Mechanization of Berth no. 7 & 8 NSD and Floating Crane at Diamond Harbour at a cost of Rs 1160 crore, incremental capacity of 4.5 MMT) are likely to reach Award stage by 2024-25.

Major Projects awarded during FY 2023-24:

✓ Development of Drainage network (Phase-IIA) on eastern side of dock basin at Haldia dock complex, Haldia under master drainage plan (Cost Rs.26.79 Crore)

✓ Regarding Implementation of energy efficient/smart fittings and outdoor purpose along-with roof top solar power plant at KDS, Lol issued for Smart Light.

4 Major Projects costing Rs. 201.23 crore completed during FY 2023-24:

✔Procurement of 1 no. 40 Tonne Rail Mounted Quay Crane (RMQC) at HDC, (Cost Rs.52.82 Cr. and 0.25 MMTPA capacity addition).

✓ Augmentation of Fire Fighting system at HOJ-I&II including 2 nos. Barge Jetties including O&M for 10 years (Cost Rs.107.49 Cr.).

 ✔ Development of GCD Yard(Cost Rs.5.87 Cr.).

✔ Procurement, Supply installation, Testing & Commissioning of 1 Drive- Through X-Ray Container Scanning System with 2 year on-site Warranty and 8 year CAMC with spares/consumables for KDS (Cost Rs. 35.05 Cr)-Trial run completed and expected to commence shortly

HDC registered growth in respect of POL (Product), Other Liquid, Vegetable Oil, Iron Ore, Other Coal Coke, Finished Fertilizer, Container TEUs, etc. while KDS registered growth in respect of Finished Fertilizer, Timber, Other Coal / Coke, Pulses & Peas, Container (both TEUs and Tonnage) etc. during 2023-24 vis-à-vis 2022-23.

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MJPS