Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPK) has invited private developers to undertake the development of a concrete jetty and liquid cargo handling facilities in partnership under the PPP mode at Budge Budge, Kolkata.

The Port of Kolkata, recognized as India’s first major port, is a river-based port that caters to an extensive hinterland covering West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Assam, other North Eastern states, as well as the neighboring landlocked nations of Nepal and Bhutan. The port operates through two dock systems—Kidderpore Dock (KPD) and Netaji Subhas Dock (NSD). KPD, being the older facility, consists of 17 multi-purpose berths, one passenger-cum-cargo berth, six buoys/moorings, and three dry docks. NSD is comparatively newer and includes one heavy-lift berth, ten berths (among them four container-dedicated berths, one liquid cargo berth, and four multi-purpose berths), along with two buoys/moorings and two dry docks. Both dock systems of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (formerly Kolkata Port Trust), function under a lock gate operating system. 

At present, liquid cargo requirements of the Kolkata region and its hinterland are met through facilities at Budge Budge under the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). The existing berthing arrangement consists of a traditional floating pontoon jetty supported by a mooring buoy system, and cargo transfer operations are carried out using conventional hose connections. Due to technical constraints associated with this setup, berth utilization remains below 25%. KDS and industry stakeholders believe that a modern, all-weather berthing facility, along with an improved loading and unloading system, would enhance cargo throughput, reduce vessel waiting time, and encourage shipment of larger parcel sizes, thereby creating mutual benefits for both the port and users. Significant economic gains are also anticipated. Accordingly, the development of a concrete jetty for liquid cargo handling at Budge Budge, Kolkata, has been proposed. 

The work scope generally covers the design, construction, equipping, operation, and maintenance of the liquid cargo berth and its associated infrastructure. Following execution of the Concession Agreement and site handover, the developer will commence detailed engineering and set up necessary temporary facilities at the project site. Key components of the project include construction of the concrete jetty and approach trestles, installation of cargo handling equipment, development of a common manifold area, establishment of administrative and operational buildings, and provision of utilities, firefighting systems, and other essential support facilities. The facility is intended to handle POL products, edible oils, chemicals, and other liquid bulk cargo, to increase existing handling capacity through a modern, efficient, and all-weather cargo handling terminal.

For additional information, such as the Bid Due Date, general bidding terms, and bidder eligibility and qualification criteria, please visit our Business Opportunities page here.