APSEZ's Haldia Terminal: PM Modi Inaugurates 4 MMTPA Facility

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd's (APSEZ) new Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT) on March 14, 2026. This facility, located on the Hooghly River, is India's first fully automated dry bulk cargo handling terminal. With an annual capacity of 4 million metric tonnes (MMTPA), the terminal represents a significant upgrade for cargo movement through India's eastern maritime corridor and is poised to transform the region's logistics landscape.

A New Era for Eastern Maritime Logistics

The inauguration marks a major milestone in the modernization of India's port infrastructure. The Haldia Bulk Terminal is strategically located within the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata. Its full automation and direct rail connectivity are designed to set new standards for operational efficiency, reducing turnaround times and logistics costs for industries in the region. The project aligns with the national vision of strengthening multimodal infrastructure to boost trade and economic growth.

Strategic Development and Execution

The terminal was developed by HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd., a part of APSEZ, under a 30-year concession agreement with the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The project followed a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, with an initial investment of approximately ₹298 crore. Construction commenced on July 14, 2023, and was completed on schedule, showcasing APSEZ's project execution capabilities. The agreement, signed in September 2022, granted APSEZ the rights to mechanize and operate Berth No. 2 at the Haldia Dock Complex.

Advanced Technological Integration

The terminal's efficiency is driven by state-of-the-art technology. It features a 2,000-tonne Railway Wagon Loading System (RWLS) and a 1.54 km dedicated railway line, enabling direct ship-to-train cargo evacuation. This system minimizes port dwell time and streamlines the supply chain. The facility is also equipped with two mobile harbour cranes for rapid vessel discharge, advanced conveyor systems for automated cargo transfer, and two stacker-cum-reclaimers for efficient stockyard management. This level of mechanization significantly reduces cargo loss and enhances safety.

Operational Efficiency and Benefits

Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO of APSEZ, highlighted the terminal's next-generation capabilities. He stated that the facility brings full mechanization and direct rail evacuation to the Hooghly, setting a new benchmark for the eastern seaboard. By eliminating the need for jetty dumping and using automated systems, operations become cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. The terminal is designed to handle a variety of dry bulk commodities, including imported coal, bauxite, and limestone, which are crucial for the region's core industries.

Economic Impact on the Region

The Haldia Bulk Terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the industrial supply chains of West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand. India's east coast accounts for approximately 60% of the country's dry bulk imports. Haldia serves as a key maritime gateway for major industries such as steel, aluminium, and power located in these states. The increased capacity and efficiency will materially reduce logistics costs and improve the competitiveness of these industries by ensuring a steady and cost-effective supply of raw materials.

Key Terminal Specifications

Alignment with National Initiatives

The development of the Haldia terminal is a direct reflection of India's strategic infrastructure programs, including the Sagarmala Programme and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. These initiatives prioritize the development of multimodal port infrastructure to reduce the country's overall logistics costs and enhance its global trade competitiveness. The Prime Minister's inauguration of the facility underscores the national strategic importance of modernizing the eastern seaboard's port infrastructure.

The Bigger Picture for APSEZ

As a part of the Adani Group, APSEZ is India's largest integrated transport utility provider. The company handles approximately 28% of the country's total port volumes and aims to increase its cargo throughput to 1 billion tonnes by 2030. The commissioning of the Haldia terminal is another step in expanding its operational footprint and reinforcing its position as a leader in the Indian logistics and port management sector.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Haldia Bulk Terminal is a landmark event for eastern India's economy. Its advanced automation, direct rail connectivity, and strategic location will enhance logistical efficiency, reduce costs for key industries, and promote sustainable port operations. This facility stands as a testament to the successful implementation of national infrastructure goals and will serve as a critical engine for industrial growth in West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand for decades to come.