**Executive Summary**
The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) is developing dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh to accommodate anticipated traffic growth and reduce intra-city cargo movement. The project aims to promote cargo transportation through National Waterway-1 and strengthen inland waterway connectivity. The EPC part of the project, except for dredging, is scheduled for completion by 31.03.2028.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Overview:**
* The Balagarh project aims to accommodate traffic growth, reduce intra-city cargo movement, and strengthen inland waterway connectivity.
* It involves the development of dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh.
* **Financials & Funding:**
* The estimated cost of the project is ₹ 539.17 crore.
* The Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) component costs ₹ 131.97 crore.
* The Public Private Partnership (PPP) component costs ₹ 407.20 crore.
* The EPC component will be funded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India.
* The PPP component will be financed and implemented by the selected concessionaire.
* **Project Timeline:**
* Land is already available with SMPA.
* Environmental clearance was received on 24.01.2025.
* The tender for road construction was opened on 02.02.2026.
* The work order for the Road Over Bridge (ROB) was issued on 09.01.2026.
* The EPC part, except for dredging, is scheduled for completion by 31.03.2028.
* Dredging will be done by IWAI before jetty construction by PPP operators.
* PPP component facility construction is expected within three years of concession award.
* **Project Benefits:**
* The project will handle 2.7 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
* Expected trade benefits include reduced congestion and lower logistics costs.
* The project is expected to generate around 2,600 employment opportunities.
**Impact Analysis**
**SMPA (Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority)**
* **Impact**: Responsible for developing dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh.
* **Action Required**: Execute project plans, collaborate with IWAI and PPP operators.
**Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)**
* **Impact**: Funding the EPC component of the project.
* **Action Required**: Provide funding for the EPC component. IWAI to commence dredging before construction of the jetties
**Local Population**
* **Impact**: Expected to benefit from employment opportunities and socio-economic development.
* **Action Required**: Be prepared for employment opportunities.
**Selected Concessionaire**
* **Impact**: Responsible for financing and implementing the PPP component.
* **Action Required**: Arrange financing and implement the PPP component.
Key Entities Referenced
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA): Developing dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh, Kolkata as part of the Balagarh Project.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): Funding the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) component of the project.
Public Private Partnership (PPP): A component of the project for which the construction of facilities is expected to be completed within three years from the award of the concession.
National Waterway-1: The project seeks to promote cargo transportation through this waterway, strengthening inland waterway connectivity.
Balagarh Project of Kolkata Port: Project to develop dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh, Kolkata, by the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
BALAGARH PROJECT OF KOLKATA PORT
Posted On: 12 FEB 2026 6:28PM by PIB Delhi
To accommodate anticipated traffic growth and reduce intra-city cargo movement, Syama Prasad
Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA) is developing dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh. The
project also seeks to promote cargo transportation through National Waterway-1, thereby strengthening
inland waterway connectivity and enhancing overall logistics efficiency.
Land is already available with the SMPA, and environmental clearance was received on 24.01.2025.
Under the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) component of the project, the tender for road
construction was opened on 02.02.2026, and the work order for the construction of the Road Over Bridge
(ROB) was issued on 09.01.2026.
The estimated cost of the project is ₹ 539.17 crore, including the Engineering Procurement and
Construction (EPC) component of Rs. 131.97 crore and Public Private Partnership (PPP) component of ₹
407.20 crore. The EPC component is to be funded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India, while the
PPP component is to be financed and implemented by the selected concessionaire. The EPC part of the
project, except for the dredging part, is scheduled for completion by 31.03.2028. The dredging activities
will be taken up by IWAI immediately before the commencement of the construction of the jetties by PPP
operators. Construction of facilities under the PPP component is to be completed within three years from
the award of the concession.
The proposed cargo handling capacity under the project is 2.7 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).
The project is expected to provide trade benefits by reducing congestion arising from cargo movement
within city areas, lowering logistics costs, and facilitating the development of an alternate trade hub. The
project is expected to generate around 2,600 employment opportunities through both direct and indirect
avenues, which will also create significant employment opportunities for the local population, thereby
contributing to regional socio-economic development.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda
Sonowal, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
***
PN/IY
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