KOLKATA : Western Carriers (India) Limited (WCIL), a multimodal and rail-focused 4PL logistics company, has inaugurated its General Cargo Terminal at the GCD Yard of the Kolkata Dock System under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA). The new terminal marks Western Carriers’ first operational infrastructure base on India’s east coast and strengthens the company’s presence across the country’s East-West freight corridor. The facility has been developed and will be operated by WCIL under a 15-year agreement with SMPA.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairperson of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority. The Kolkata terminal complements WCIL’s existing 42-acre Multimodal Cargo Terminal at Devaliya in Gujarat, expanding the company’s infrastructure presence across key eastern and western trade corridors.
Located within the Kolkata Dock System, the terminal is connected to the Eastern Railway network through the Sealdah and Budge Budge sections. It also benefits from Kolkata’s road, rail and inland-waterway network, enabling the company to support cargo movement through the port across domestic and EXIM segments.
The facility is designed to handle dry bulk, break-bulk and different categories of containers, including 20-foot, 40-foot and specialised containers. Equipment and manpower deployment has been completed, with Phase I becoming operational from the launch.
WCIL expects to begin Phase II development within the next 90 days. The next phase will focus on increasing throughput capacity, improving operational efficiency and expanding service offerings. The company also plans further civil development at the terminal with an initial estimated investment of approximately ₹13.68 crore, based on estimates provided by the Port Authority and subject to revision as the project progresses. The Kolkata facility is expected to increase WCIL’s rail modal share in freight movement through the port while providing customers with greater flexibility in cargo handling and improved integration between road, rail and port-based logistics.
Rajendra Sethia, Chairman and Managing Director of Western Carriers (India) Limited, said, “The inauguration of our General Cargo Terminal at the Kolkata Dock System is an important step in our expansion into Eastern India. Together with our facility in Gujarat, the Kolkata terminal strengthens our rail-linked capabilities across the East-West corridor and provides a platform to support growing cargo volumes and integrated logistics services.” He added that the company will focus on building capacity and improving operations while supporting a more connected logistics ecosystem in Eastern India.
Founded in 1972 as a rail-focused logistics venture, Western Carriers provides integrated 3PL and 4PL solutions combining road, rail, water and air transport with value-added supply chain services. The Kolkata terminal supports the company’s plans to expand its multimodal infrastructure network and strengthen its end-to-end logistics offerings
