Kolkata, 07 October (H.S.):

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPA), formerly known as the Kolkata Port Trust, in collaboration with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), hosted the 'Balagarh Road Show' in Kolkata on Wednesday. The event aimed to expedite the development of the Extended Port Gate System (EPGS) at Balagarh and showcase one of Eastern India's most significant maritime and logistics opportunities.

The programme was attended by Subrata Gupta, Advisor to the Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal, and Suvendu Adhikari as the Chief Guest. Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP Kolkata, welcomed the dignitaries. Leading industry players and trade partners, including Adani, JSW Infrastructure, senior IWAI representatives, and top logistics conglomerates, participated in the road show alongside the Deputy Chairman and senior port officials.

Addressing the gathering, SMP Kolkata Chairman Rathendra Raman stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently laid the foundation stone for the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Terminal and the Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Balagarh. He highlighted that the project would significantly decongest the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). Being predominantly waterways-driven, the initiative is designed to be environmentally sustainable. The project carries an estimated investment of Rs 538.20 crore, has an annual handling capacity of 2.7 MTPA, and is strategically situated 85 km upstream of KDS on National Waterway-1 (NW-1).

Speaking on the occasion, Subrata Gupta noted that the Balagarh project stands as an exceptional model of Centre-State coordination. He pointed out that while the Central Government is ensuring comprehensive rail, road, and waterway connectivity, the State Government is facilitating the requisite industrial land. Highlighting that essential environmental clearances have been secured, Gupta emphasized that continued synergy between the Centre and the State will serve as a major catalyst for trade, industrial expansion, and the overall economic growth of West Bengal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh