Kolkata port records strong cargo growth in April-May

By Admin

16 Jun, 2025

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port defies global challenges with over 27% cargo surge in two months

Kolkata’s Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP) has kicked off FY26 on a high note, posting an impressive 27.56% year-on-year growth in cargo handling during April-May 2025, despite persistent global geopolitical uncertainties. The port handled 11.252 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo during the two-month period, a significant rise from 8.821 MMT recorded in the same timeframe last year.

Haldia and Kolkata Dock Systems lead the growth

Of the total cargo handled, the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) was the major contributor with 8.139 MMT, while the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) accounted for 3.113 MMT. This translates to a 27.45% increase at HDC and a 27.84% rise at KDS, underscoring the broad-based momentum across both dock systems.

Surge across key cargo categories

The port saw remarkable growth across multiple cargo segments:

• HDC witnessed increased volumes in petroleum products, vegetable oils, other liquids, coal (various types), fly ash, and container traffic. Significantly, HDC also handled thermal coal, raw petroleum coke, and 29,000 tonnes of iron and steel for the first time in this period.
  
  

• KDS registered higher handling of finished fertilizers, foodgrains, pulses, timber, and containerized cargo. New cargo like coking coal, foodgrains, and timber also entered the KDS flow, not seen in the same period last year.
  
  

Container movement sets new benchmarks

Container traffic at the port soared as well, with SMP handling 1,53,037 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) during April-May 2025  a 31.23% increase from 1,16,620 TEUs in April-May 2024. Container movement at HDC surged by over 76%, while KDS registered a growth of approximately 24%.

Resilient performance amid global headwinds

SMP’s strong performance in the initial months of FY26 highlights its growing role in India’s maritime trade and logistics ecosystem. Despite global tensions and logistical challenges, the port has maintained high operational efficiency and diversified cargo handling capacity  further strengthening its strategic importance in eastern India’s trade network.