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Key Points

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata has achieved a remarkable 45.32% year-on-year cargo growth in April 2025, establishing itself as India's fastest-growing major port. Both the Haldia Dock Complex and Kolkata Dock System demonstrated significant increases in cargo and container handling. The port's performance is particularly impressive given the current global economic challenges and trade disruptions. Chairperson Rathendra Raman credited the achievement to the dedicated team and support from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

Key Points: SMP Port Kolkata Surges 45% in Record April Cargo Growth

  • SMP Port handles 5.967 million metric tonnes in April 2025
  • Haldia Dock Complex grows 45.77% in cargo handling
  • Container traffic increases by 31.18% across dock systems
  • Diverse commodity growth drives port's exceptional performance
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Bengal: SMP Port emerges as fastest-growing docks in the country in April

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port achieves remarkable cargo throughput increase, becoming India's fastest-growing major port in April 2025

"Our unwavering commitment and efficiency have driven this outstanding performance - Rathendra Raman, SMP Kolkata Chairperson"

Kolkata, May 4

The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, one of the 12 major ports in the country, has reported a remarkable 45.32 per cent year-on-year increase in cargo throughput for April 2025.

SMP, Kolkata, known as the Kolkata Port Trust earlier, handled 5.967 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in April 2025 as compared to 4.106 MMT in April 2024.

This achievement positions SMP Kolkata as the fastest-growing major port in India for the month. This is considered a major achievement, given the global economic slowdown and disruptions to maritime trade due to global conflict.

Rathendra Raman, chairperson, SMP, Kolkata, said that this outstanding performance is a testament to the unwavering commitment and efficiency of the entire SMPK family.

“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, for its continued support and guidance. I am also thankful to all stakeholders, port users, and the supremely dynamic and dedicated team of SMP Kolkata, whose relentless efforts have made this growth possible,” he said.

SMP, Kolkata, has two dock systems under it. One of these is the Haldia Dock Complex or HDC. This complex handled 4.363 MMT of cargo in April 2025, up from 2.993 MMT in April 2024. This was an increase of 45.77 per cent.

The other dock system, known as the Kolkata Dock System or KDS, handled 1.604 MMT of cargo. In April 2024, KDS had managed 1.113 MMT. This is a jump of nearly 44.12 per cent.

“The surge in cargo handling was driven by significant growth across various commodities. In April 2025, SMP, Kolkata handled a total of 75,716 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) containers. While 62,021 TEUs were handled at KDS, HDC managed the remaining 13,695 TEUs. This marks a 31.18 per cent increase from 57,717 TEUs in April 2024 (KDS: 48,495; HDC: 9,222). What is important is that KDS has emerged as a major container handling facility,” an official said.

HDC registered growth in respect of POL Product, LPG, Other Liquid, Vegetable Oil, coking coal, thermal coal, other coal, metallurgical coke, raw petroleum coke, manganese ore, other ore, fly ash, pulse, container tons and TEUs, while KDS attributes its growth to finished fertiliser, coking coal, other coal, pulses, metallurgical coke, foodgrain, container tons and TEUs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun P.
This is fantastic news for Bengal's economy! The port's growth shows how infrastructure development can boost trade. Hope this creates more jobs in the region. Kudos to the SMP team! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
As someone from Kolkata, I'm proud to see our port doing so well! But I hope the authorities also focus on improving road connectivity to the port. The traffic congestion near Haldia is still a major issue.
R
Rahul K.
Impressive numbers! This shows India's maritime strength despite global challenges. The 45%+ growth in both dock systems is remarkable. Hope this momentum continues throughout the year. 🚢
S
Sneha G.
While the growth is commendable, I wonder about the environmental impact. Increased cargo means more ships and pollution. Are there plans to make SMP more eco-friendly? Development should be sustainable.
V
Vikram S.
Great to see Eastern India getting its due in maritime trade! This will reduce pressure on Mumbai and Gujarat ports. Maybe now we'll see more industries setting up in Bengal to take advantage of this infrastructure.
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Neha R.
The container handling numbers are impressive! 75,716 TEUs is no small feat. This could make Kolkata a key hub for trade with Bangladesh and Southeast Asia. Hope the government invests more in port modernization.

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