In a significant move to strengthen India’s inland water transport (IWT) network, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has handed over the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) to the private operator IRC Natural Resources under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This marks a key step in the Government of India’s efforts to enhance multimodal logistics infrastructure.
The Haldia MMT, located in West Bengal, has a capacity of 3.08 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2023. Positioned strategically along National Highway 41 and slated to receive rail connectivity, the terminal is designed to serve as a vital hub for cargo transport, particularly to and from the North Eastern states and Bangladesh.
The terminal’s handover to IRC Natural Resources is part of a broader strategy to improve logistics efficiency through the integration of waterways, road, and rail transport. As per the terms of the concession agreement, IRC will operate and maintain the terminal for 10 years, with a potential 5-year extension. The private operator emerged as the highest bidder, offering a royalty of ₹105.03 per metric tonne of cargo handled, payable to IWAI.
This development aligns with the Government’s vision under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), which aims to boost capacity along National Waterway-1 (Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system). With more than 1,150 toll plazas and over 60 jetties under development, the project is positioning IWT as a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable alternative for moving goods across the country.
The operationalisation of Haldia MMT is expected to reduce road congestion, lower carbon emissions, and improve the speed and cost-effectiveness of transporting goods, especially for industries in the northeastern region. Moreover, it will enhance cross-border trade with Bangladesh, providing a greener logistics solution.
The handover is a significant step in India’s efforts to create a more sustainable, integrated logistics network and strengthen regional connectivity through inland waterways.
