PM Modi Inaugurates Haldia Bulk Terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port

India’s First Automated Dry Bulk Facility on Hooghly River Launched in Haldia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haldia Bulk Terminal at the Haldia Dock Complex , part of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port . Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited , the terminal strengthens India’s eastern maritime infrastructure and is expected to enhance cargo handling efficiency along the Hooghly River .

India’s First Automated Dry Bulk Terminal on Hooghly

The Haldia Bulk Terminal has an annual cargo handling capacity of 4 million metric tonnes (MMTPA) . It is recognised as India’s first fully automated dry bulk cargo terminal on the Hooghly River .

The facility is designed to handle coal and other bulk commodities used by major industries such as power generation, steel production and aluminium manufacturing. Its strategic location on the western bank of the Hooghly River enables efficient cargo movement within eastern India.

Development Under DBFOT Model

The project was implemented under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model with a 30-year concession period . The terminal was developed by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd , a subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited .

Construction began on 14 July 2023 and was completed within the planned schedule. The facility features a draft of 8.5 metres and a berth length of 193 metres , with mooring points extending to 337 metres , allowing it to handle large cargo vessels efficiently.

Advanced Cargo Handling Infrastructure

The terminal incorporates modern mechanised equipment to improve cargo handling speed and reduce operational losses. Key infrastructure includes two mobile harbour cranes , two stacker-cum-reclaimers , a 2,000-tonne railway wagon loading system , a 2.10-kilometre conveyor belt network , and a 1.54-kilometre dedicated railway line .

This integrated system allows cargo to be transferred directly from ships to railway wagons, reducing port dwell time and improving cargo evacuation.

Boost to Eastern Maritime Logistics

India’s eastern coast handles nearly 60% of the country’s dry bulk imports , including commodities such as coal, bauxite and limestone. The Haldia Bulk Terminal is expected to enhance logistics efficiency for industries in West Bengal , Odisha , and Jharkhand .

Automated cargo handling will also reduce manual operations, minimise cargo losses and improve environmental safety in port operations.

Exam-Focused Points

• Haldia Bulk Terminal is located at Haldia Dock Complex .

• It is India’s first fully automated dry bulk handling terminal on the Hooghly River .

• The terminal has an annual capacity of 4 MMTPA .

• Developed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited under the DBFOT model .