Handover of Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, has officially transferred the operations and maintenance of the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) to IRC Natural Resources. This significant milestone underscores the Government of India’s commitment to advancing inland waterway infrastructure and promoting multimodal logistics through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Strategic Importance of Haldia MMT
Constructed under the Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), the Haldia MMT in West Bengal boasts a cargo handling capacity of 3.08 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). With financial and technical support from the World Bank, the terminal was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 13, 2023. Strategically positioned with connectivity to National Highway 41 and planned rail integration, the terminal is set to become a pivotal hub for multimodal logistics.
Public-Private Partnership Model
To ensure efficient and sustainable operations, IWAI adopted the Equip, Operate, and Transfer (EOT) model for the terminal. Following a transparent bidding process, IRC Natural Resources was selected as the concessionaire for a 10-year Operation and Maintenance (O&M) contract, with an option to extend for an additional five years. IRC Natural Resources secured the contract by offering a royalty of ₹105.03 per metric tonne of cargo handled, payable to IWAI.
Boosting Inland Waterway Logistics
The operationalization of the Haldia MMT is poised to revolutionize cargo movement through inland waterways. This mode of transport offers a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and efficient alternative for moving goods, particularly to the North Eastern states and Bangladesh. The terminal’s enhanced connectivity and capacity will facilitate smoother and faster logistics operations.
Jal Marg Vikas Project and National Waterway-1
The handover aligns with the Government of India’s vision to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) under the Jal Marg Vikas Project. The JMVP focuses on developing the 1,390 km stretch of National Waterway-1, encompassing the Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Key initiatives under JMVP include fairway maintenance, construction of multi-modal and inter-modal terminals, modern navigational locks, and the installation of over 60 jetties to benefit riverine communities.
Key Developmental Works Under JMVP
- Fairway maintenance for safe and navigable waterways
- Construction of multi-modal and inter-modal terminals
- Installation of modern navigational locks
- Development of over 60 jetties to support local communities
This development marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s inland waterway infrastructure, fostering sustainable logistics, and enhancing regional connectivity.