In its 153 years history, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) including Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex, handled 65.66 million tonnes of cargo in 2022-23, recording an all-time high throughput which is a 12.87per cent increase from the previous record of 58.175 million tonnes moved in 2021-22.
In 2022-23, SMP Kolkata recorded highest ever growth of traffic of 7.5 million tonnes done, in comparison to previous years, which is the highest quantum growth achieved in its history. P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, SMPK stated that the port registered strong financial performance in 2022-23 by posting net surplus of Rs 304 crore i.e. net surplus improved by 150 per cent compared to the previous years.
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 13.37per cent and 11.47per cent, respectively. The port handled highest ever rail-borne cargo (34.6 MMT) for the financial year 2022-23.
To augment its capacity, SMPK is stressing on the PPP Projects in a big way. During the financial year 2022-23, the port has awarded three major projects with investment of Rs 730 crore through PPP mode. These three projects are expected to increase capacity by 6.7 MMT. The SMPK is planning to develop extended port gate system at Balagarh with an investment at about Rs.445 crore out of which around Rs 343 crore will be invested through PPP.
