The News National
A sharp rise in cargo volumes and a significant jump in container traffic have propelled Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), to the top of the growth chart among India’s major ports in April 2025, with a 45.32% year-on-year increase in throughput. A key driver of this growth was a 31.18% surge in container traffic, supported by increased movement of petroleum products, LPG, vegetable oil, coal varieties, metallurgical coke, raw petroleum coke, manganese ore, pulses, food grains and fertilisers.
SMPK also launched night navigation capabilities this week in the upper reaches of the Hooghly River, covering the stretch from Budge Budge to the Bay of Bengal. This development is expected to significantly boost port efficiency and trade volume by allowing more vessels to enter and leave the port daily.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata erstwhile Kolkata Port Trust, has reported a remarkable 45.32% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput for April 2025, handling 5.967 million metric tonnes (MMT) compared to 4.106 MMT in April 2024. This achievement positions SMP Kolkata as the fastest-growing major port in India for the month.
Chairman Shri Rathendra Raman expressed his appreciation, stating, “This outstanding performance is a testament to the unwavering commitment and efficiency of the entire SMPK family. Shri Raman extend his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Govt of India for their continued support and guidance. Shri Raman also thanked all stakeholders, port users, and the supremely dynamic and dedicated team of SMP Kolkata whose relentless efforts have made this growth possible.
Dock-Wise Performance:
– Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) handled 4.363 MMT in April 2025, up from 2.993 MMT in April 2024, marking a 45.77% increase.
Kolkata Dock System (KDS) managed 1.604 MMT, compared to 1.113 MMT in April 2024, reflecting a 44.12% growth.
The surge in cargo handling was driven by significant growth across various commodities.
Container Throughput:
In April 2025, SMP Kolkata handled a total of 75,716 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), comprising 62,021 TEUs at KDS and 13,695 TEUs at HDC. This represents a 31.18% increase from 57,717 TEUs in April 2024 (KDS: 48,495; HDC: 9,222).
HDC registered growth in respect of POL Product, LPG, Other Liquid, Vegetable Oil, , Coking Coal, Thermal Coal, Other Coal, Metallurgical Coke , Raw Petroleum Coke, Manganese Ore, Other Ore, Fly Ash, Pulse, Container Tons and TEUs etc. while KDS registered growth in respect of Finished Fertilizer, Coking Coal, Other Coal, Pulses, Metallurgical Coke, Foodgrain, Container Tons and TEUs etc. during April’ 2025 vis-à-vis April’ 2024.
This milestone underscores SMP Kolkata’s pivotal role in Eastern India’s maritime logistics and its growing significance in the national maritime industry.
