Sarbananda Sonowal Approves Over Rs. 800 Crore Project to Revamp Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 8th March. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has given the nod to a project worth more than Rs. 800 crore. The project entails the Re-Construction of Berth No. 8 and Mechanization of Berth Nos. 7 and 8 at Netaji Subhash Dock of KDS, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.

This ambitious project will be executed under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). With an estimated cost of Rs. 809.18 crore, the endeavor marks a significant investment in the port’s modernization and expansion.

The project aims to revolutionize the operational dynamics of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, fostering an efficient, sustainable, and integrated cargo handling system. By enhancing berthing and cargo handling capabilities, the port will witness a substantial boost in operational efficiency, catering to the burgeoning demands of import and export activities. This strategic upgrade is expected to elevate the port’s competitiveness and overall performance on the global stage.

Sonowal emphasized the pivotal role of mechanization in fortifying the nation’s trade ecosystem, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness.

In West Bengal, the Sagarmala Programme oversees 62 projects valued at Rs. 16,300 crore, with several completed and ongoing initiatives aimed at improving port infrastructure and connectivity. The Coastal Districts Skill Development Program, sanctioned for Rs. 6.32 crore, remains a key component of the state’s maritime development agenda.

Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the government is pursuing initiatives to develop world-class ports, create maritime clusters, and unlock the potential of strategic islands for maritime activities.