Image Source: Construction World
JSW Infrastructure Limited has officially inked a landmark 30-year concession agreement with the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (Kolkata Port Authority) for the redevelopment and operation of container berths at the Netaji Subhas Dock in Kolkata. This strategic move marks a significant expansion of JSW Infrastructure’s presence in eastern India and reflects its growing footprint as a key player in the country’s ports and logistics sector.
Key Highlights:
The contract involves the reconstruction of Berth 8 and mechanisation of Berths 7 and 8, aimed at modernizing the port’s container handling capacity and operational efficiency.
Awarded under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model through a public-private partnership (PPP), the project represents a ₹740 crore capital expenditure for JSW Infrastructure.
The 30-year concession agreement provides JSW Infrastructure exclusive rights to develop, operate, and manage the terminal, enabling it to optimize long-term returns and strategic positioning in the region.
Construction is scheduled over a two-year period, with operations commencing during the build phase, leveraging Kolkata’s consistent cargo volumes.
Post-completion, the upgrade is expected to significantly enhance the port’s container throughput capacity, aligning with government initiatives for port privatization and modernization.
The Kolkata project further diversifies JSW Infrastructure's cargo portfolio, reinforcing its container operations on both the eastern and western coasts. On the west coast, the company operates the New Mangalore Container Terminal, which is undergoing expansion to increase capacity from 0.2 million TEUs to 0.35 million TEUs.
With this addition, JSW Infrastructure’s total container handling capacity nears one million TEUs, positioning it as a major emerging player in India’s port container segment.
The project underscores JSW Infrastructure's commitment to sustainable port operations, featuring mechanized systems designed for faster turnaround, reduced operational bottlenecks, and environmental compliance.
As India’s second-largest private commercial port operator, JSW Infrastructure's expanded presence in Kolkata strengthens connectivity and logistics capabilities essential for trade growth in eastern India.
Market and Industry Impact:
The agreement comes at a time when India's port infrastructure is undergoing rapid transformation with a focus on efficiency, capacity enhancement, and private sector participation. JSW Infrastructure’s role in this transformation is pivotal as the company leverages its experience managing multiple port assets to tap into new growth opportunities.
This strategic concession not only solidifies JSW Infrastructure's eastern coast portfolio but also complements its existing western coastline assets, facilitating balanced national coverage. It enables the company to control a critical logistics hub in eastern India, contributing to faster cargo movement, reduced transit times, and enhanced trade facilitation.
The investment aligns with government policies encouraging infrastructure privatization to boost economic activity and bolster international trade competitiveness. The Kolkata port upgrade is anticipated to stimulate regional economic development, benefiting exporters, importers, and the broader supply chain ecosystem.
In conclusion, JSW Infrastructure’s 30-year concession agreement with the Kolkata Port Authority is a milestone that underlines its ambition to become a dominant player in India’s container terminal space, driving operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Sources: JSW Infrastructure official release, Economic Times Infra, Maritime Gateway, Angel One, Business Standard (September 15, 2025)
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