The Kolkata Port has inaugurated its first public-private partnership (PPP) terminal at Khidderpore Docks, marking a milestone in the modernisation of its historic dock system.

The Century Ports Ltd Terminal, built at a cost of Rs 1.9 billion, was formally commissioned by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK).

Equipped with a mobile harbour crane, barge unloader, advanced yard equipment and a modern terminal operating system (TOS), the facility has an initial handling capacity of 165,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of containers and 330,000 tonnes of cargo.

“Inauguration of our first PPP terminal at Khidderpore Docks paves the way for increased cargo handling and encourages the modernisation of other berths. It is the result of relentless effort, collaboration and vision,” said Chairman Rathendra Raman.

The concession agreement for the project, signed in 2022 for a 30-year term, is expected to boost cargo movement with integrated connectivity to road, rail and inland waterways.

SMPK added that it has a pipeline of over Rs 40 billion worth of PPP projects scheduled to become operational at Kolkata and Haldia docks within the next year.