SMPA Plans Rs 539.17 Cr Container and Coal Berths at Balagarh to Boost Inland Waterway Logistics

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority is developing dedicated container and coal berths at Balagarh to handle future traffic growth and reduce intra-city cargo movement. The project will also promote cargo transport through National Waterway-1, strengthening inland waterway connectivity and improving logistics efficiency.

Land for the project is already available with the port authority and environmental clearance was granted on 24 January 2025. Under the EPC component, the tender for road construction was opened on 2 February 2026 and the work order for a road over bridge was issued on 9 January 2026.

The total project cost is estimated at Rs 539.17 crore, including an EPC component of Rs 131.97 crore funded by the Inland Waterways Authority of India and a PPP component of Rs 407.20 crore to be financed by the selected concessionaire. The EPC works, excluding dredging, are scheduled for completion by 31 March 2028, while dredging will be undertaken by IWAI before jetty construction. Facilities under the PPP component are expected to be completed within three years of concession award.

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.