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The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) in Kolkata has announced investment commitments worth more than INR 48,000 crore through multiple agreements signed during India Maritime Week 2025. These partnerships involve major companies such as Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd, Dredging Corporation of India Ltd, Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure, Srijan Realty and HUDCO. The agreements cover areas like dredging, terminal development, petroleum infrastructure, real-estate projects, and logistics connectivity. This development aligns with SMPK's goal of expanding its port capacity and integrating industrial and real-estate growth across the eastern region.
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) in Kolkata announced that it has secured investment commitments exceeding INR 48,000 crore through a series of memoranda of understanding signed with public and private sector companies during India Maritime Week. The agreements mark a major step in SMPK's efforts to strengthen its infrastructure, attract private participation, and promote regional trade and industrial growth. Advertisement
The MoUs include significant projects across multiple sectors. Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd has committed about INR 10,000 crore for developing tank-farm and petroleum, oil and lubricant (POL) handling facilities. Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL) has pledged around INR 5,000 crore for dredging works that will help maintain navigational depth and support larger vessels.
In the logistics and infrastructure segment, Adani Ports, JSW Infrastructure, and Century Ports & Harbours have agreed to invest in new container terminal projects under the public-private partnership model. These terminals are expected to enhance cargo handling capacity and improve operational efficiency at the port. Institutional Port Rail & Corridor Ltd (IPRCL) has also committed around INR 1,500 crore to develop port rail connectivity and allied infrastructure, which will support smoother cargo movement between the docks and industrial clusters.
On the real estate front, Srijan Realty Pvt Ltd and HUDCO have each pledged INR 3,000 crore, while Eden Realtors Ltd is planning riverfront projects to make use of port-owned land. These developments are part of SMPK's ongoing effort to repurpose its unused land for commercial and real-estate projects, ensuring additional sources of revenue. Ripley Group has committed about INR 2,500 crore to logistics and port-related infrastructure, while UltraTech Cement Ltd will set up a bulk cement terminal on a captive basis.
According to SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman, these agreements reflect the port's commitment to long-term transformation and sustainable growth. He stated that the combined investments will improve port infrastructure, create new employment opportunities, and position Kolkata as a major maritime and industrial hub in eastern India.
Deputy Chairman Samrat Rahi shared that apart from the confirmed MoUs, SMPK is also in discussions with Tata Steel for additional infrastructure projects. While the details are yet to be disclosed, the collaboration is expected to focus on enhancing port connectivity and supporting steel exports from eastern India.
Over the past few years, SMPK has been focusing on expanding its cargo-handling capacity, modernizing its docks, and diversifying operations into non-core areas such as logistics and real estate. The new agreements strengthen these efforts, aligning with the central government's push for greater private participation in port infrastructure under the Sagarmala initiative.
The investments are also expected to support upcoming industrial corridors and inland waterways projects, further improving connectivity between Kolkata, Haldia, and neighbouring regions. These developments are likely to play an important role in decongesting cargo traffic and reducing turnaround time for vessels.
Source: PTI
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