SMP Kolkata takes a major step towards maritime modernization with foundation stone laid by Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi
BHAVNAGAR : Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, marked a historic milestone today as the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, virtually laid the foundation stone for a new container terminal and associated facilities. The announcement was made during the Samudra Se Samriddhi event held at Bhavnagar, Gujarat, where development projects worth over ₹34,200 crore were inaugurated and launched.
The new container terminal at SMP Kolkata, part of the maritime sector projects worth ₹7,870 crore, is expected to significantly strengthen cargo handling capacity, improve port efficiency, and modernize critical infrastructure. The project will enhance India’s maritime trade competitiveness and position Kolkata as a stronger gateway port for eastern and northeastern India, as well as neighboring countries.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to port-led development under the Sagarmala programme. He underlined that reforms such as “One Nation, One Document” and “One Nation, One Port Process”, along with the recognition of large ships as infrastructure, will accelerate growth and attract fresh investments across the maritime sector.
Apart from SMP Kolkata, the Prime Minister inaugurated or laid the foundation for several landmark port and shipping projects across the country, including:
Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock
New container berth at Paradip Port
Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal at Deendayal Port, Kandla
Firefighting and connectivity projects at Kamarajar Port, Ennore
Coastal protection works at Chennai Port and Car Nicobar
Ship repair facilities at Patna and Varanasi
These initiatives collectively aim to modernize India’s ports, enhance cargo handling efficiency, and boost allied industries such as steel, electronics, and shipbuilding.
For SMP Kolkata, the upcoming container terminal represents a major leap towards modernization, promising faster turnaround, improved global trade connectivity, and a boost to regional economic growth.
About SMP Kolkata:
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, formerly known as Kolkata Port, is one of the oldest and most important ports in India. Strategically located on the eastern seaboard, it serves as a key hub for trade with eastern India, the Northeast, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The port continues to play a vital role in supporting India’s maritime economy through modernization and capacity enhancement initiatives.