RVNL and SMPK signs MoU to boost port's logistical effectiveness

To improve the port's logistical effectiveness, Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) and the Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU). With a 30 MMT annual capacity, SMPK operates its railway infrastructure with dual-port systems at Haldia and Kolkata. Both private and common user siding is served by two waggon changeover yards, linked to the Eastern Railway for the Kolkata dock and the South Eastern Railway for Haldia. Although logistics have mostly been moved to roads, the MoU will make it easier to turn back to moving logistics by railway. To quickly increase the rail infrastructure's capacity for the port, RVNL and SMPK have agreed to cooperate and work together. The agreement opened the possibility of creating a special purpose company (SPV) to handle project planning, resource mobilisation, and railroad project implementation, including port and hinterland linkages. Given the huge increase in the volume of goods handled at these two-port systems, the rail infrastructure under SMPK also requires upgrading and expansion, according to a senior RVNL official. According to the MoU, a task group would be created, including representatives from the SMPK and RVNL. Image Source Also read: RLDA floats tenders for leasing 60,407 sq m of land in Dhanbad