Record cargo handling in 2023-24 at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata since 1870
In its
154-year history, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) including
Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), achieved a milestone
in the fiscal year 2023-24 by handling 66.4 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of
Cargo, marking a 1.11% increase from the previous record of 65.66 million
tonnes moved in 2022-23.
Chairman Rathendra Raman attributed this unprecedented
throughput to a series of strategic initiatives implemented by the port to
enhance productivity, safety measures, business development, and overall
capacity utilization.
Highlighting HDC's significant contribution, Raman noted
that the complex handled 49.54 MMT in FY 2023-24, marking its highest cargo
volume ever since its inception and surpassing the previous record of 48.608
MMT in FY 2022-23, representing an increase of 1.91%. Meanwhile, KDS managed
16.856 MMT of cargo in 2023-24 compared to 17.052 MMT in 2022-23.
The Chairperson emphasized the port's robust financial
performance in 2023-24, achieving a net surplus of Rs. 501.73 crores as well, a
significant 65% growth over the previous year's net surplus of Rs. 304.07
crores, marking a remarkable accomplishment.
To augment capacity of the port, SMP Kolkata is stressing
on the PPP Projects in a big way.
A Major push for PPP Projects:
✓Concession awarded by SMPK
for 2 PPP projects costing Rs 480 Crore for Rejuvenation of KPD-I West
(Cost Rs. 181.81 crores) and Mechanization of Berth no. 2 at HDC (Cost 298.28
Crore) which could lead to Incremental Capacity Addition of 6.78 MMT (approx.)
✓ Three more projects (Berth
No 5 for HDC, Strengthening & Mechanization of Berth no. 7 & 8 NSD and
Floating Crane at Diamond Harbour at a cost of Rs 1160 crore, incremental
capacity of 4.5 MMT) are likely to reach Award stage by 2024-25.
Major Projects awarded during FY 2023-24:
✓ Development of Drainage
network (Phase-IIA) on eastern side of dock basin at Haldia dock complex,
Haldia under master drainage plan (Cost Rs.26.79 Crore)
✓ Regarding Implementation of
energy efficient/smart fittings and outdoor purpose along-with roof top solar
power plant at KDS, Lol issued for Smart Light.
4 Major Projects costing Rs. 201.23 crore completed
during FY 2023-24:
✔Procurement of 1 no. 40
Tonne Rail Mounted Quay Crane (RMQC) at HDC, (Cost Rs.52.82 Cr. and 0.25 MMTPA
capacity addition).
✓ Augmentation of Fire
Fighting system at HOJ-I&II including 2 nos. Barge Jetties including
O&M for 10 years (Cost Rs.107.49 Cr.).
✔ Development of GCD Yard (Cost Rs.5.87 Cr.).
✔ Procurement, Supply
installation, Testing & Commissioning of 1 Drive- Through X-Ray Container
Scanning System with 2-year on-site Warranty and 8-year CAMC with
spares/consumables for KDS (Cost Rs. 35.05 Cr)-Trial run completed and expected
to commence shortly
HDC registered growth in respect of POL (Product), Other
Liquid, Vegetable Oil, Iron Ore, Other Coal Coke, Finished Fertilizer,
Container TEUs, etc. while KDS registered growth in respect of Finished
Fertilizer, Timber, Other Coal / Coke, Pulses & Peas, Container (both TEUs
and Tonnage) etc. during 2023-24 vis-à-vis 2022-23.