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Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, recorded 34.75 million tonnes of cargo traffic in the first half of FY2026–27, supported by mechanised operations, private terminal participation, digital initiatives and planned infrastructure upgrades.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, handled 34.75 million tonnes (MT) of cargo during the first half of the 2026–27 financial year, registering an increase of 1.34 MT compared with the corresponding period last year. The performance represents year-on-year growth of approximately 4 per cent. The port, which operates through the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), has set a cargo handling target of 74 MT for the full financial year. Infrastructure modernisation and measures to improve operational efficiency are expected to play an important role in achieving this goal.
Mechanised Berths and PPP Operations Support Growth
SMP Kolkata Chairman Rathindra Raman attributed the increase in cargo volumes to infrastructure improvements, the development of new berths and jetties, greater participation by public-private partnership (PPP) operators, digital technology adoption and enhanced marketing initiatives.
The port has expanded the use of mechanised berths to accelerate cargo handling while reducing dependence on manual operations. It has also increased the utilisation of PPP-operated berths and introduced floating cranes at anchorages to facilitate cargo handling from larger vessels. These measures are intended to improve operational productivity, strengthen cargo-handling capacity and support the port's efforts to attract additional traffic.
Digitalisation and Incentives to Attract Cargo
Alongside infrastructure development, SMP Kolkata is focusing on digitalisation and commercial incentives to improve its competitiveness. Under its ‘One Port, One Process’ initiative, the port has digitised documentation procedures to simplify operational workflows and improve ease of doing business for port users. It has also introduced promotional rebates on vessel-related and cargo-related charges to encourage additional traffic and attract new business.
In another initiative, the port is promoting the development of light industries under the PPP model. Potential activities include agricultural, marine, tea and apparel processing near port facilities. These industries could generate additional cargo volumes while strengthening connections between the port and its hinterland.
Capital Dredging Study to Explore Greater Vessel Access
Improving navigational access remains another priority for SMP Kolkata. The port has engaged the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on capital dredging to assess options for increasing channel depth. Enhanced channel depth could improve access for vessels with greater draught requirements, subject to the findings of the study and the feasibility of implementing the proposed works. Better navigability could also help support future cargo growth and improve operational flexibility. The outcome of the feasibility assessment will be important in determining the scope and potential benefits of any subsequent dredging programme.
Proposed Hooghly Twin Tunnel to Improve Connectivity
SMP Kolkata is also planning a twin tunnel beneath the Hooghly River to connect port facilities with national highways. The proposed infrastructure is intended to provide an alternative route for cargo traffic, helping bypass urban traffic restrictions and congestion. Improved road connectivity could streamline cargo evacuation, reduce delays in inland transportation and strengthen links between the port and its hinterland. The project's eventual impact will depend on its planning, implementation and integration with the surrounding transport network.
Focus on Sustainable Cargo Growth
With cargo volumes rising by approximately 4 per cent in H1 FY27, SMP Kolkata is pursuing a combination of operational improvements, private-sector participation, digital processes and infrastructure planning to support its annual target of 74 MT. Mechanised cargo handling, improved terminal utilisation and simplified documentation could help strengthen productivity, while dredging assessments and proposed transport links may address longer-term navigational and connectivity constraints. As trade and logistics requirements continue to evolve, the port's ability to expand capacity, attract new cargo and improve cargo evacuation will be central to sustaining growth during FY2026–27 and beyond.
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Global container freight rates have surged 130% since February 2026, as renewed tensions in the Middle East disrupt shipping routes and increase uncertainty across international trade. The sharp rise in ocean freight costs comes even as India’s container-based export-import trade continues to record strong growth, according to a report by financial services firm Jefferies. According to the report, global container freight rates have climbed from approximately US$2,000–2,500 in February to around US$4,000–4,500 in October 2026. The increase reverses the downward trend witnessed through much of 2025 and early 2026, when an improved demand-supply balance helped ease shipping costs following elevated rates in 2024. The latest surge highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical developments and changes in maritime operations. Higher freight rates can put additional pressure on exporters, importers, freight forwarders and manufacturers by increasing transportation costs and complicating shipment planning. Jefferies identified the potential return of shipping lines to the Suez Canal as a key factor to monitor. Any change in vessel routing could influence transit times, available shipping capacity and freight pricing, depending on security conditions and operational decisions. Despite the rise in global freight rates, India’s containerisable export-import trade recorded a 23% year-on-year increase in value in September 2026. Exports grew 22%, while imports increased 23%, according to the report. Exports to the United States rose 48% year-on-year during the month. However, shipments to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia declined by 12–15%, reflecting differing trade trends across key markets. India’s port performance was also mixed. Cargo volumes at major ports increased 13% year-on-year in September, while non-major ports registered a 1% decline. Among non-major ports, Gujarat recorded 3% growth, while ports in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu reported increases of 6–7%. Ports along the eastern coast experienced a sharper decline in volumes. With geopolitical uncertainty continuing to influence maritime operations, developments in West Asia and the possible return of shipping lines to the Suez Canal will remain important indicators for global freight markets. Changes in routing and shipping capacity could shape transportation costs in the coming months, making freight-rate volatility a critical consideration for businesses managing international supply chains. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
India’s inland waterway cargo traffic reached 218 million metric tonnes in the 2025–26 financial year, exceeding the 200-million-tonne target set under Maritime India Vision 2030. The milestone reflects the sector’s expansion over the past decade, as the government continues to develop navigation infrastructure, improve operational information and encourage cargo owners to consider waterway-based freight solutions. According to government figures highlighted on 16 October 2026, inland waterway cargo increased from 29 million tonnes in 2014–15 to 218 million tonnes in 2025–26. The latest volume is 18 million tonnes above the 2030 benchmark, representing a 9% increase over the target. The next challenge for the sector is to translate higher cargo volumes into dependable, commercially competitive freight services that can connect waterways with road and rail networks. Inland Waterway Network Continues to Expand: India has 111 National Waterways spanning 20,187 kilometres across 23 states and four Union Territories. However, 32 waterways, covering 5,155 kilometres, were operational as of March 2026. The distinction between designated and operational waterways remains important for cargo owners and logistics providers. Commercial services require navigable channels, suitable terminals, reliable vessel operations and effective connections to production and consumption centres. The Union Budget 2026–27 announced plans to operationalise 20 additional National Waterways over five years. The initiative forms part of the broader effort to expand the availability of inland water transport and strengthen its role in the national freight network. Longer-term policy ambitions include increasing inland water transport’s share of freight movement from approximately 2% to 5% and reaching 500 million tonnes of cargo by 2047. Navigation Information Becomes Critical to Operations: As cargo volumes rise, navigation reliability and access to timely operational information are becoming increasingly important. By September 2026, regular surveys monitoring the deepest navigable channel covered 22 National Waterways. Depending on local requirements, surveys are conducted weekly, fortnightly or monthly to assess available depth and support decisions on vessel draft and cargo loading. Electronic Navigational Charts had also been prepared for 18 operational and tidal waterways. Digital platforms, including PANI and IWAI Vessel Tracker, provide navigation-related information to operators. Access to more reliable data can help vessel operators plan voyages, determine loading conditions and manage schedules. However, digital information must be supported by physical infrastructure and fairway maintenance to ensure that waterways remain usable under changing conditions. For freight customers, the effectiveness of these measures will depend on whether they improve service consistency, vessel utilisation and the predictability of cargo movements. Jalvahak Scheme Seeks to Encourage Cargo Shift: Financial incentives are another element of the government’s strategy to increase waterway utilisation. Launched in December 2024, the Jalvahak scheme provides incentives of up to 35% of eligible operating expenditure for the waterway leg of qualifying cargo movements. The scheme covers National Waterways 1, 2 and 16, along with eligible routes under the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol. A separate component supports scheduled services operated by Inland and Coastal Shipping Limited, with funding from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The scheme addresses a key challenge in multimodal logistics: while water transport may offer advantages over certain long-distance road movements, additional handling, terminal charges and connecting transport can affect the overall cost of delivery. The incentive excludes first- and last-mile expenditure. Cargo owners must therefore evaluate the full logistics chain, including terminal handling, connecting road or rail transport, sailing frequency, transit time and delivery requirements. The commercial viability of waterway freight ultimately depends on the cost and reliability of the complete journey rather than the waterborne segment alone. Infrastructure Supports Multimodal Freight Movement: Infrastructure developed under the Jal Marg Vikas Project provides part of the foundation for cargo operations along National Waterway 1. Key developments include multimodal terminals at Varanasi, Sahibganj and Haldia, an intermodal terminal at Kalughat and a navigation lock at Farakka. These facilities are intended to support cargo handling and connect river transport with inland logistics networks. Private investment is also being encouraged to expand terminal infrastructure. The National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 established a framework intended to facilitate the development of jetties and terminals by companies, public bodies and joint ventures. The combination of infrastructure investment, navigation support and cargo incentives is intended to create more opportunities for businesses to incorporate inland waterways into their transport strategies. Commercial Competitiveness Remains the Next Test: Crossing the 200-million-tonne target represents a significant milestone in the expansion of India’s inland waterway cargo business. Sustaining this growth will require more than increasing aggregate tonnage. For manufacturers, exporters, importers and logistics providers, key considerations include predictable transit times, dependable vessel schedules, adequate terminal capacity and effective road and rail connections. Cargo volumes also need to be assessed alongside the distances travelled and the economics of individual routes. Tonnage measures the quantity of cargo handled, while tonne-kilometres account for both cargo weight and distance, offering a different perspective on freight activity. As additional waterways become operational and supporting infrastructure develops, the sector’s progress will increasingly depend on its ability to secure regular commercial cargo commitments. For India’s logistics industry, the priority is now to turn the expansion in inland waterway traffic into reliable, cost-effective and integrated freight services that can support long-term supply chain development. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
Tuticorin Container Terminal handled a record 33,771 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in September 2026, marking a significant milestone in its operational performance and reinforcing its focus on efficiency, reliability and service quality. The achievement reflects the collective efforts of the terminal’s workforce across operational, technical and support functions. Their dedication, resilience and coordination have played a key role in ensuring smooth cargo movement and maintaining operational continuity. The terminal also highlighted the contributions of women across its operational, technical and support teams, underscoring the growing importance of gender diversity and inclusive workforce practices in the maritime sector. Tuticorin Container Terminal expressed its gratitude to vessel operators, container lines and other stakeholders for their continued trust and partnership. It also acknowledged the support and cooperation of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in facilitating efficient terminal operations. The record monthly throughput marks another step in the terminal’s efforts to strengthen operational excellence and stakeholder collaboration. With a continued focus on dependable services, workforce engagement, and operational efficiency, the terminal aims to support growing cargo movement and enhance regional container logistics capabilities. The handling of 33,771 TEUs in a single month highlights the role of coordinated teamwork and industry partnerships in strengthening Tuticorin’s position in India’s container logistics network. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
