PM Modi Inaugurates Fully Automated Haldia Bulk Terminal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haldia Bulk Terminal, a fully automated dry bulk handling facility developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) at the Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata. The project marks a major addition to India’s eastern maritime infrastructure and is expected to improve cargo handling efficiency along the Hooghly river.

India’s first automated dry bulk facility on Hooghly

The terminal has an annual handling capacity of 4 million metric tonnes (MMTPA). It is recognised as India’s first fully automated dry bulk cargo facility on the Hooghly river. The terminal is designed to handle coal and other bulk commodities that support key industries such as power generation, steel and aluminium production.

Situated on the western bank of the Hooghly river within the Haldia Dock Complex, the facility is expected to strengthen cargo movement across the eastern maritime corridor and support industrial supply chains in eastern India.

Developed under DBFOT model

The terminal has been developed under a 30-year concession through the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd. Construction of the project began on July 14, 2023, and it has now been completed within the scheduled construction period.

The facility has a draft of 8.5 metres and a berth length of 193 metres, with extreme mooring points extending to 337 metres. This infrastructure allows the port to handle large bulk cargo vessels more efficiently.

Advanced cargo handling infrastructure

The terminal is equipped with modern mechanised systems designed to enhance efficiency and reduce cargo losses. Key facilities include two mobile harbour cranes, two stacker-cum-reclaimers, a 2,000-tonne railway wagon loading system, a 2.10-kilometre conveyor system and a 1.54-kilometre dedicated railway line.

These features enable direct transfer of cargo from ships to railway wagons, reducing port dwell time and improving evacuation of cargo. The integrated rail system is expected to lower logistics costs and ensure faster supply of raw materials to industries across West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.

Important Facts for Exams

• Haldia Bulk Terminal is located at Haldia Dock Complex of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
• It is India’s first fully automated dry bulk handling terminal on the Hooghly river.
• The project was developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ).
• The terminal has an annual cargo handling capacity of 4 million metric tonnes.

Strengthening eastern maritime logistics

India’s east coast accounts for nearly 60 per cent of the country’s dry bulk imports, including commodities such as coal, bauxite and limestone. Haldia serves as a key maritime gateway for several industries in eastern India.

The new automated terminal is expected to improve cargo handling speed, reduce turnaround time for ships and support more efficient logistics operations. It is also designed to promote cleaner and safer port operations by reducing manual cargo handling and minimising losses during cargo transfer.