PM Narendra Modi Commissions Adani Ports’ Haldia Bulk Terminal on Hooghly River

Narendra Modi has commissioned Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone’s Haldia Bulk Terminal and dedicated it to the nation, marking a major step in strengthening port infrastructure on India’s eastern coast. 

The facility has been designed to handle dry bulk cargo with an annual capacity of 4 million metric tonnes (MMTPA).

The terminal is located within the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. Built as a fully automated bulk handling facility on the Hooghly River, it features direct rail connectivity, which will enable faster movement of cargo from ships to inland destinations.

Strategic Role in Eastern Maritime Corridor

The Haldia Bulk Terminal has been developed under a 30-year concession through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd. Construction began on July 14, 2023, and the terminal has now been commissioned within the planned timeline.

Positioned on the western bank of the Hooghly River, the terminal will primarily handle imported coal along with other dry bulk commodities such as bauxite and limestone. These materials are critical for industries including steel, aluminium, and power generation.

India’s east coast accounts for around 60% of the country’s dry bulk imports, making Haldia a key maritime gateway for industrial hubs in West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand. The new terminal is expected to significantly reduce logistics costs and improve turnaround time for cargo handling.

Advanced Infrastructure and Automation

The terminal includes several modern infrastructure components designed to streamline bulk cargo operations. A major highlight is the installation of a railway wagon loading system with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes, along with a dedicated 1.54-kilometre railway line. This system allows cargo to be directly transferred from ships to railway wagons for faster evacuation.

Other key features include the refurbishment of the existing jetty, installation of advanced conveyor systems spanning over two kilometres, and the deployment of two stacker-cum-reclaimers for automated stockyard management. Additionally, two mobile harbour cranes have been installed to improve the efficiency of vessel discharge operations.

Also Read: Adani Enterprises’ Arm Adani Road Transport Acquires 49% Stake in Sree Vishwa Varadhi!

Conclusion

The commissioning of the Haldia Bulk Terminal reflects India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its port infrastructure and improve multimodal logistics connectivity. The facility also aligns with national initiatives such as Sagarmala Programme and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aim to strengthen integrated transport networks and reduce logistics costs across the country.

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