Kolkata .Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port (SMP), Kolkata has achieved the distinction of becoming the country’s fastest growing port in April 2025. In April, the SMP recorded an annual growth of 45.32 percent, operating 5.967 million metric tons (MMT) cargo, while in April 2024 the figure was 4.106 MMT. This achievement has been achieved at a time when economic recession and barriers are facing obstacles globally. Following this remarkable performance, SMP Kolkata has surpassed other major ports of the country.
SMP President Rathendra Raman credited his team’s commitment and hard work for this achievement. He said, “This success is the result of unwavering commitment and efficiency of our SMP family. I thank the Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways, whose guidance and cooperation made this growth possible. I heartily thank all stakeholders, port users and my entire team.”
There are two dock systems under SMP Kolkata – Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) and Kolkata Dock System (KDS). In April 2025, HDC operated 4.363 MMT cargo, which was 2.993 MMT in April 2024. This is an increase of 45.77 percent. KDS handled 1.604 MMT cargo in April 2025, while in April 2024 the figure was 1.113 MMT, which is around 44.12 percent.
This bounce in cargo handling was due to rapid operation of various objects. In April 2025, SMP Kolkata handled a total of 75,716 TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units) containers, out of which 62,021 TEU KDS and 13,695 TEUs were handled at HDC. This is an increase of 31.18 percent in April 2024 as compared to 57,717 TEU. According to officials, KDS is now emerging as a major container handling facility. Haldia Dock Complex recorded a significant increase in petroleum products, LPG, other liquid, vegetable oil, coking coal, thermal coal, other coal, metalgical coke, raw petroleum coke, manganese ore, other ore, fly ash, pulses, container tons and TEUs. At the same time, the credit for the growth of Kolkata dock system goes to the prepared manure, cooking coal, other coal, pulses, metalgical coke, grains, container tons and TEU.