The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPK), previously known as Kolkata Port Authority, has been authorized to develop a major barge terminal on Balagarh Island, located 85 kilometers upstream from Kolkata. This initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion in the city by relocating some cargo operations from the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). The terminal is projected to manage 2.7 million tonnes of cargo annually, including 150,000 TEUs of containerized goods and 0.8 million tonnes of dry bulk commodities.
Construction is set to take place on a 100-acre site within the 900-acre Balagarh area, with tenders expected to be announced in May. The existing KDS will function as an extended gateway, enhancing storage capabilities for cargo headed to northern regions. The project is strategically situated on National Waterway 1, connecting Haldia and Allahabad, with infrastructure development being handled via Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) methods, while terminal construction will be conducted through a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Total project costs are estimated at ₹499.80 crore, with contributions from both public and private sectors earmarked for essential infrastructure like road connectivity and dredging. This terminal is anticipated to streamline logistical operations, benefiting areas such as North Bengal and improving services while reducing costs. Furthermore, a significant shift of traffic from KDS to Balagarh is expected, enhancing the region’s cargo handling capacity and competitiveness.
