The Public Investment Board (PIB) has approved a Rs 18.39 billion dredging subsidy for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority, Kolkata (SMPK), extending support until FY 2030-31. This backing from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is aimed at maintaining navigability of the Hooghly River and access channels to both the Kolkata Dock System and the Haldia Dock Complex.
SMPK estimates its total dredging cost over the next seven years to be Rs 37.65 billion, citing legacy liabilities that prevent full self-funding. The PIB, while granting the subsidy, has mandated clearly defined key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure efficiency gains.
SMPK is now on a transition path, working to modernise via public private partnership-based mechanisation, with plans to mechanise up to 75 per cent of berths and 85 per cent of cargo handling by 2030.