Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port emerges as India’s fastest-growing major port in April 2025

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, recorded the highest growth among all major Indian ports in April 2025, handling 5.967 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo — a 45.32% increase compared to 4.106 MMT in April 2024. The growth was achieved despite global economic challenges and disruptions in maritime trade.

SMP operates through two dock systems: the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) and the Kolkata Dock System (KDS). HDC handled 4.363 MMT of cargo in April 2025, up from 2.993 MMT in April 2024 — a rise of 45.77%. KDS handled 1.604 MMT, compared to 1.113 MMT in the same month last year, showing a 44.12% increase. This combined performance pushed SMP ahead of all other major ports in terms of year-on-year cargo growth.

Cargo volume increases were noted across several commodities. At HDC, growth was recorded in petroleum products, LPG, other liquids, vegetable oil, coking coal, thermal coal, other coal, metallurgical coke, raw petroleum coke, manganese ore, other ores, fly ash, pulses, and container tonnage. At KDS, higher volumes were seen in finished fertilizers, coking coal, other coal, pulses, metallurgical coke, grains, container tonnage, and TEUs.

Container traffic also rose significantly. SMP handled a total of 75,716 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in April 2025, up 31.18% from 57,717 TEUs in April 2024. Of these, KDS handled 62,021 TEUs and HDC 13,695 TEUs. Officials stated that KDS has shown continuous improvement in container handling performance.

SMP Chairman Rathendra Raman said, “This success is the result of the unwavering commitment and efficiency of our SMP family. I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, whose guidance and support made this growth possible. I sincerely thank all stakeholders, port users, and my entire team.”