Inland Waterways Authority of India’s Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal Handed over to PPP Operator IRC Natural Resources
Built by IWAI with the financial and technical assistance of the World Bank, the Haldia MMT in West Bengal has a capacity of 3.08 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). The terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 13, 2023. Strategically located and connected to National Highway 41, the terminal is also slated to receive rail connectivity, further enhancing its multimodal integration
To ensure efficient and sustained operation of the terminal, IWAI adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on an Equip, Operate and Transfer (EOT) basis. The concessionaire was selected through an open bidding process for Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the terminal over a 10-year period, extendable by another 5 years
IRC Natural Resources emerged as the highest bidder by quoting a royalty of ₹105.03 per metric tonne of cargo handled, payable to IWAI.
The operationalisation of Haldia MMT is expected to significantly boost cargo movement through inland waterways, providing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and faster alternative for transporting goods, particularly to the North Eastern states and Bangladesh
This development is in line with the Government of India’s vision to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) as a sustainable and efficient mode of logistics under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP). The project aims to enhance the capacity of the 1,390 km stretch of National Waterway-1 (Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system), which passes through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
IWAI has undertaken key developmental works under JMVP including fairway maintenance, construction of multi-modal and inter-modal terminals, modern navigational locks and installation of over 60 jetties to support and benefit riverine communities.
Published on:
21 October 2025
Published in: Lifting & Specialized Transport October-December 2019
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