IWAI hands over Kalughat Intermodal terminal to PPP operator

By Admin

08 Nov, 2025

In a major milestone for India’s inland waterways infrastructure, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has formally handed over the Kalughat Intermodal Terminal (IMT) in Bihar to SAPL – Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt. Ltd. for operations and maintenance. This achievement marks a crucial advancement under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway-1, which aims to develop sustainable and efficient water-based transport along the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system.

A Major Boost to Inland Connectivity

Constructed with financial and technical assistance from the World Bank, the Kalughat Intermodal Terminal is strategically located in the Saran district of Bihar. The facility is designed to handle diverse cargo types, significantly improving trade and logistics connectivity across Eastern India. Under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, SAPL will operate and maintain the terminal on a revenue-sharing model, where IWAI will receive 38.30% of the gross revenue generated. This model ensures that commercial efficiency aligns with public welfare, fostering long-term growth and operational sustainability.

Haldia MMT Begins Cargo Operations

In parallel, the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) in West Bengal, operated by IRC Natural Resources Pvt. Ltd., has commenced cargo operations. The terminal boasts a handling capacity of 3.08 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). The first shipment of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS) from Tata Steel has been dispatched from Haldia to Pandu, Guwahati (Assam), marking a major step towards creating a cost-effective, green logistics corridor connecting Eastern India to the North East.

Advancing Sustainable and Integrated Logistics

These twin developments highlight IWAI’s progress in building a sustainable, multimodal logistics ecosystem under the Jal Marg Vikas Project. Spanning 1,390 km across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, National Waterway-1 is undergoing large-scale capacity enhancement through the construction of terminals, modernization of navigational infrastructure, and establishment of over 60 community jetties to empower riverine communities.

Strengthening PPP and Operational Efficiency

Commenting on the handover, Sunil Kumar Singh, Chairman In-charge, IWAI, stated, “Transferring Haldia MMT and Kalughat IMT to PPP operators marks a major milestone in optimising terminal operations, improving cargo handling efficiency, and ensuring better utilisation of assets. This move aligns with the Government’s vision of an integrated multimodal logistics network along National Waterway-1, opening new avenues for trade and economic growth across riverine regions.”

Toward a Greener, Smarter Logistics Future

By transferring the Kalughat and Haldia terminals to private operators, IWAI reinforces its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and seamless cargo movement. These initiatives strengthen India’s inland water transport network reducing logistics costs, easing road congestion, and lowering carbon emissions. Together, they mark a decisive step toward a greener, more efficient, and integrated multimodal logistics ecosystem, driving India closer to its goal of a sustainable transportation future.