Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Plans Development of Three Processing Zones in Kolkata.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port is considering the development of three specialized processing zones in Kolkata as part of its land monetisation strategy. These zones—an agro-processing zone, a tea-processing zone, and a marine products-processing zone—are planned for Kolkata’s Kidderpore and adjacent areas on port land under a long-term lease model.

“Currently, discussions on the three zones are at the concept level. It can be under a land lease model,” said Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairperson of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, in an interview with Businessline. “Within two to three years, these zones will come up. However, land will be allotted within three months,” he added.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, formerly known as the Kolkata Port Trust, operates two dock systems: the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) and the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC). As of March 31, 2023, a total of 4,488 acres of port land had been rented out, generating estate revenue of approximately ₹654 crore in the last financial year.

“In land monetisation, we are aiming at a revenue collection of ₹1,000 crore in the next five years. Currently, our annual income has reached around ₹600 crore. For land monetisation, we have introduced various projects focused on port-led industrialisation, including large cold storages, warehouses, and major industries in Kidderpore,” Rahi stated.

Established in 1870, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, holds the distinction of being India’s only riverine all-weather port.

HBL