The Union government has approved a Rs. 215.23-crore project to redevelop Kidderpore Dock-II (KPD-II) at the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The project aims to transform the dock into a modern multi-modal cargo terminal with a handling capacity of 2.478 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), News18 reported.
The development comes at a time when the BJP has assumed power in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Officials believe improved coordination between the Union and the state government could help accelerate major infrastructure projects that require support from multiple agencies.
The proposed terminal will handle fertilisers, food grains, gypsum, timber, and other general cargo. It is expected to strengthen Kolkata Port's role as a key logistics hub for eastern and northern India.
Cargo capacity boost planned
The project will be developed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model with private sector participation.
Kolkata Port occupies a unique place in India's maritime network. It is the country's oldest major port and the only major riverine port. Its hinterland extends across several states, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, apart from the North East. The port also serves as an important trade gateway for Nepal and Bhutan.
"Modern logistics infrastructure has become central to economic competitiveness. Projects like these reduce turnaround time, lower transportation costs, and improve connectivity between production centres and markets," a senior official told News18.
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Centre-state cooperation under focus
Officials see the project as part of the Union government's broader effort to strengthen connectivity in eastern India through ports, highways, rail corridors and inland waterways under the PM Gati Shakti framework.
For the West Bengal government, the project offers an opportunity to showcase an infrastructure-led development agenda. For the Centre, it aligns with efforts to improve trade connectivity and economic activity across the eastern region, as per News18.
If completed on schedule, the Kidderpore Dock-II redevelopment could boost trade flows across eastern India and further strengthen connectivity with neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bhutan.
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FAQs:
1. What is the estimated cost of the Kidderpore Dock-II redevelopment project?
The project is estimated to cost Rs. 215.23 crore.
2. What cargo will the new terminal handle?
It will handle fertilisers, food grains, gypsum, timber, and other general cargo.
