The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port handled 34.75 million tonnes of cargo in the first half of the 2027 fiscal year, marking a 4% year-on-year increase. The growth was driven by infrastructure upgrades and automation, even as global trade routes faced geopolitical challenges. The port remains focused on its 74 million tonne annual throughput target.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), which operates both the Kolkata Dock System and the Haldia Dock Complex, processed 34.75 million tonnes of cargo during the first half of the 2027 fiscal year. This marks an increase of 1.34 million tonnes compared to the same period in the previous year, reflecting a 4% year-on-year growth. The facility is currently on track to achieve its annual throughput target of 74 million tonnes.
The rise in cargo traffic comes despite significant disruptions in global maritime routes, particularly those passing through West Asia. To maintain steady growth, the port has focused on efficiency improvements. Management attributed this performance to the integration of public-private partnership operators at key terminals and the widespread adoption of automated cargo handling systems. By mechanizing more berths, the port has been able to improve vessel turnaround times and reduce manual intervention.
Technological and structural upgrades have played a vital role in this operational performance. The deployment of floating cranes at anchorages has allowed the port to handle larger vessels that were previously constrained by channel depth. Additionally, the port has implemented a digital initiative known as 'One Port, One Process' to reduce document processing time for exporters and importers.
Looking toward long-term capacity, the port authority has initiated several major infrastructure plans. A key project under consideration is the construction of a twin tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, designed to create a direct link between the port and national highways. This aims to ease urban traffic congestion and improve the logistics flow for heavy cargo. Furthermore, the port is collaborating with IIT Madras on a feasibility study for capital dredging to deepen the shipping channel, which is essential for accommodating larger, more modern ships.
While these infrastructure projects are intended to support future expansion, they also carry inherent execution risks, such as potential delays or cost increases, which are typical for large-scale engineering works. The ability of the port to sustain its growth will depend on how effectively it manages these capital-intensive projects and navigates external trade conditions. Investors and industry observers will likely monitor the progress of these infrastructure initiatives, alongside the port's ability to maintain its operational efficiency amidst changing global trade patterns.