SMP Kolkata records over 27 percent growth in cargo and container traffic handling in April–May

KOLKATA : Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata) has commenced the financial year 2025–26 on an impressive note registering a growth of 27.56 percent in overall cargo handling during April–May 2025, compared to the same period last year, official sources said on Sunday.

The Port handled 11.252 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo during the first two months of FY 2025–
26, up from 8.821 MMT handled during April–May 2024. Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) contributed 8.139 MMT, while Kolkata Dock System (KDS) handled 3.113 MMT, compared to last year’s figures of 6.386 MMT and 2.435 MMT at HDC and KDS respectively, resulting a growth rates of 27.45 pc at HDC and 27.84 pc at KDS, Kolkata Port Chairman Rathendra Raman said.

The Port witnessed significant increases in specific cargo segments. The HDC recorded a growth in POL
products, other liquids, vegetable oil, coking coal, other coal, metallurgical coal, fly ash, container
tonnage and TEUs. The KDS also showed strong performance with finished fertilizers, pulses, container tonnage, and TEUs surpassing the previous year’s volumes.

Additionally, several commodities, including thermal coal, raw petroleum coke and iron & steel (0.29
lakh tonnes) were handled at HDC for the first time during this period.
Similarly, KDS handled coking coal, timber and food grains, all of which were not handled in April–
May 2024.
In container traffic, SMP, Kolkata handled 1,53,037 TEUs (KDS: 1,24,733 and HDC: 28,304) during April–
May 2025, marking a growth of 31.23 pc over last year’s 1,16,620 TEUs (KDS: 1,00,555 and HDC:
16,065). This surge reflects SMPK’s growing efficiency and capacity in container handling, especially at
HDC, which recorded a phenomenal 76.18 pc increase.

Chairman Rathendra Raman congratulated the officers, staff and stakeholders of both the dock systems
for their commitment and performance. “The growth we have achieved in just the first two months of this financial year is not only commendable but also a testament to the dedication and synergy between our teams, stakeholders, and partners. I wholeheartedly congratulate the employees of both Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex for their exemplary efforts,” he said.