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SMPK's Maritime Triumph: Historic Kolkata Port Wins Heritage Award Amid Record Growth

The historic Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata has been honored with the Maritime Excellence Award in the Heritage Category. This recognition comes during India Maritime Week 2025 for the port's 155 years of dedicated service to India's maritime growth. Despite facing navigation challenges along the River Hooghly, SMPK achieved the highest cargo traffic among all major Indian ports. The award was presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, celebrating the port's journey from historic gateway to modern trade anchor.

Key Points: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Wins Maritime Heritage Award

  • SMPK registered highest cargo traffic among India's 12 major ports in Q1 2025-26
  • Port handled 17.186 million metric tonnes despite challenging navigation constraints
  • Award recognizes 155 years of service and cultural legacy as India's oldest major port
  • Growth of 21.21% achieved between April-June 2025 compared to same period last year
2 min read

Bengal: SMPK bags maritime excellence award during India Maritime Week

Kolkata's historic SMPK wins Maritime Excellence Award during India Maritime Week 2025 while achieving record cargo traffic growth of 21.21% among major ports.

"This recognition added a new gem to SMPK's crown, recognising its 155 years of dedicated service - Senior SMPK Official"

Kolkata, Nov 1

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), the oldest operational ‘Major Port’ in the country, won the Maritime Excellence Award in the Heritage Category during India Maritime Week 2025.

This award was presented in recognition of SMPK's long-standing contribution to India’s maritime growth and its rich cultural legacy. Despite several constraints, including a long and shallow navigation channel to the sea along the River Hooghly, the port has been performing extremely well.

After a phenomenal performance in 2024–25, SMPK registered the highest cargo traffic among all 12 Major Ports in the country in the first quarter of 2025–26. Between April and June 2025, the port handled 17.186 million metric tonnes of cargo at its two facilities in Kolkata and Haldia. This was a growth of 21.21 per cent from the cargo handled in the corresponding period of 2024–25.

The award was presented by Sarbananda Sonowal, Union minister of ports, shipping and waterways, and the minister of state Shantanu Thakur. Rathendra Raman, chairperson, and Samrat Rahi, deputy chairperson, SMPK, were also present.

"This recognition added a new gem to SMPK’s crown, recognising its 155 years of dedicated service, tracing its remarkable journey from being a historic maritime gateway of Eastern India to a dynamic, forward-looking port that anchors trade, connectivity and economic development of the region. Over the decades, SMPK has not only strengthened India’s maritime capabilities but also stood as a living testament to the nation’s industrial and cultural revolution," a senior SMPK official noted.

The port comprises the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC). It also has huge landholdings in Kolkata, Howrah and Haldia, where several port-based industries and warehouses have come up.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Wonderful news! 21.21% growth in cargo traffic is impressive. Shows how our heritage ports can adapt and thrive in modern times. More investment in Eastern ports will boost regional development.
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Rohit P
My grandfather worked at this port for 40 years. Seeing it get national recognition brings tears to my eyes. This isn't just infrastructure - it's part of our cultural heritage. 🙏
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Sarah B
While the award is well-deserved, I hope the port authorities also focus on environmental concerns. The Hooghly river ecosystem needs protection alongside industrial growth.
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Vikram M
Highest cargo traffic among all major ports! This proves that age is just a number. SMPK's performance shows how traditional infrastructure can be modernized effectively. Great work by the team!
M
Michael C
As someone in logistics, I've seen SMPK's transformation firsthand. The efficiency improvements in recent years are remarkable. This award will boost confidence among international shipping partners.
A
Ananya R
155 years of service! That's longer than most countries have existed. This port has witnessed India's journey from colonial times to becoming a global economic power. Historic achievement! 🎉

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