SMP Kolkata Sets New Cargo Handling Record Surpassing Last Year
Synopsis
SMP Kolkata has reached a historic milestone by handling over 64 million metric tonnes of cargo in just 11 months, exceeding last year's total. This achievement underscores the port's growth and operational efficiency, setting a new benchmark in maritime trade.
Key Takeaways
SMP Kolkata achieved a new record of 64.026 MMT cargo handling.
The port surpassed last year's traffic of 63.951 MMT .
KDS and HDC reported growth rates of 13.48% and 10.06% , respectively.
Container traffic reached 874,360 TEUs , a record high.
Commitment to operational excellence and modernization initiatives is ongoing.
Kolkata, March 2 (NationPress) The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), has reached a significant operational achievement by managing 64.026 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo between April 2025 and February 2026. This accomplishment surpasses the total traffic of 63.951 MMT recorded during the entire Financial Year 2024–25.
“With one month left in the current fiscal year, the Port has outperformed last year’s total cargo throughput, showcasing a consistent growth trajectory, improved operational efficiency, and robust collaboration with stakeholders throughout the maritime trade sector,” SMPK stated in an announcement.
In the last 11 months, SMPK has experienced notable advancements across its dock systems. The Kolkata Dock System (KDS) processed 17.033 MMT, a rise from the 15.01 MMT handled during the same period last year, marking a growth of 13.48 percent. Meanwhile, the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) managed 46.993 MMT compared to 42.697 MMT from April 2024 to February 2025, reflecting a growth of 10.06 percent.
The overall cargo traffic through SMP Kolkata has recorded a growth of 10.95 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.
“Container traffic also achieved an unprecedented increase during this period, with the port managing 874,360 TEUs from April 2025 to February 2026. This surpasses the previous record of 844,762 TEUs set in FY 2019-20,” the statement added.
Port chairman Rathendra Raman praised the contributions of all stakeholders while expressing his satisfaction with the performance metrics.
“Surpassing last year’s cargo handling figures before the close of the current fiscal year signifies the dedication and joint efforts of Team SMP Kolkata, along with our esteemed trade partners and stakeholders. The Port is committed to enhancing efficiency, strengthening logistics connectivity, and playing a vital role in India’s port-led development vision,” he remarked.
“This achievement underlines the port’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence, infrastructure optimization, and customer-focused service delivery. With ongoing modernization efforts and enhanced cargo handling systems, SMP Kolkata is well-positioned to reach new milestones in the forthcoming years,” Raman concluded.
Point of View
The remarkable achievement of SMP Kolkata reflects the port's strategic significance in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. The growth in cargo handling not only demonstrates operational efficiencies but also highlights collaborative efforts among stakeholders in the maritime trade sector, contributing to India's broader economic vision.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cargo handling capacity of SMP Kolkata?
As of February 2026, SMP Kolkata handled 64.026 million metric tonnes of cargo.
How does this year's cargo compare to last year's?
This year, SMP Kolkata has surpassed last year's total cargo of 63.951 million metric tonnes.
What growth percentage did KDS and HDC achieve?
KDS grew by 13.48 percent, while HDC saw a growth of 10.06 percent.
What record was set in container traffic?
SMP Kolkata handled 874,360 TEUs, exceeding the previous record of 844,762 TEUs in FY 2019-20.
What future plans does SMP Kolkata have?
SMP Kolkata is focused on ongoing modernization, improving cargo handling systems, and enhancing operational excellence.
