SMPK-GBTPL alliance to drive berth mechanisation project at HDC

 

Awarded to Ganges Bulk Terminal Pvt. Ltd

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) has awarded the concession for the Mechanisation of Berth No. 5 (erstwhile Berth No. 4B) at the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) to Ganges Bulk Terminal Pvt. Ltd (GBTPL). The project, valued at `343.58 crore, will be developed on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. 

The signing and award ceremony was graced by Mr Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMPK; Mr Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman, SMPK; Mr Manas Mondal, GM (Engineering), HDC, SMPK; senior port officials; along with Mr A. K. Dutta, Sr. Vice President (Project), Ripley and Director of GBTPL; and Mr Golden Sinha, Director, Ripley & Co. 

 

 

Project details & impact 

This significant infrastructure project will see GBTPL mechanise the berth to handle dry bulk cargo, aiming to increase the port’s efficiency and cargo throughput. The project has a designed capacity of 5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and will be developed over a substantial area of 44 acres (1.78 lakh sq. m.).

The total project cost is a combination of PPP and government funding, with the concessionaire, GBTPL, investing `343.58 crore and the government contributing `22.30 crore through Internal and Extra Budgetary Resources (IEBR). The project is slated for completion by December 2027, marking a key milestone in the modernisation efforts of SMPK and its Haldia Dock Complex.

Speaking on the development, Mr Rathendra Raman said: “This mechanisation project is another step towards transforming HDC into a world class cargo handling hub. The partnership with GBTPL will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also strengthen the port’s contribution to India’s maritime growth and the economy of Eastern India. As we take this leap forward, I am confident that this initiative will pave the way for a new era of operational excellence at HDC and strengthen India’s position in global maritime trade.”

The mechanisation of Berth No. 5 is a crucial step towards enhancing operational capabilities, reducing vessel turnaround time and strengthening the Haldia Dock Complex’s position as a vital gateway for maritime trade in the region. This initiative is expected to bring long-term economic benefits and contribute to the overall growth of India’s maritime sector, emphasised a release.

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