MHA adds West Bengal's Haldia Seaport to immigration checkpoints list
New Delhi, June 23
The Ministry of Home Affairs has added Haldia seaport in West Bengal to the designated immigration checkpoint lists.
The Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), commonly known as Haldia Port, is a major deep-water port located on the Hooghly River in West Bengal. Haldia port operates under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) and is strategically situated about 120 km southwest of Kolkata. The port serves as a vital gateway for handling bulk, liquid, and containerized cargo to and from eastern India.
Currently, India has 40 seaport immigration checkpoints along its coastline, and Haldia will become the 41st addition to this list.
MHA made the announcement through a notification issued on June 22 announcing an amendment to the list of authorized immigration checkpoints under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
As per the MHA notification, Haldia seaport has been added to the designated points for immigration clearance by amending an earlier notification, exercising the powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The amendment modifies a principal notification published in the Gazette of India on September 1, 2025.
The change has been made in the table under Category II, which pertains to seaports. After serial number 40 in the existing list, a new entry--"41 Haldia (West Bengal)"--has been inserted, thereby formally recognizing the port as an authorized immigration checkpoint.
The move is expected to facilitate smoother movement of international passengers and crew through Haldia port, which is a key maritime hub in eastern India. The inclusion aligns with the government's broader efforts to strengthen infrastructure and improve regulatory mechanisms at major ports.
The principal notification has undergone previous amendments as well, including those issued on November 20, 2025, and May 29, 2026, indicating ongoing updates to India's immigration framework.
On May 29, the MHA had notified Gujarat's three seaports namely Dahej, Sikka and Tuna Tekra as authorised immigration checkposts under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, further strengthening the state's infrastructure for international passenger movement.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting move. But I wonder about the actual volume of international passenger traffic at Haldia. Isn't it primarily a cargo port? The addition seems premature if there's no demand for passenger immigration yet. India's bureaucracy often does things just on paper without real planning.
This is excellent news! 😃 My hometown is near Haldia and finally, our port is getting the recognition it deserves. The government should now focus on improving road connectivity from Haldia to NH16 and ensure better last-mile logistics. Bhai, development ho raha hai slowly but surely.
Good decision. But why only now? Haldia port has been operational for decades. The MHA should have added it years ago to ease pressure on Kolkata Port Trust and reduce congestion. Also, wish they would include more minor ports in Odisha and Andhra in such lists for comprehensive coastal development.
As someone who's worked in maritime logistics, this is a smart move. Haldia's location near the Bay of Bengal makes it ideal for handling small cruise ships and coastal vessels that might stop in eastern India. But I'd like to see the government also invest in customs and security infrastructure at the port. Just adding the name isn't enough.
Great that West Bengal is getting attention! 👏 But honestly, the state needs far more than just a port upgrade. Mamata Banerjee's government should match the centre's efforts by improving industrial connectivity. Without proper roads and railways from the port, even immigration won't bring much business. Hope both governments work together for once.
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