Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates APSEZ’s Haldia Terminal — India’s First Fully Automated Dry Bulk Facility

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT) and formally dedicated it to the nation.

APSEZ Haldia Bulk Terminal Inauguration
- Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT) on 14 March 2026.
- Significance: India’s first fully automated dry bulk facility, located on the Hooghly River within the Haldia Dock Complex, Kolkata.
- Capacity: Designed to handle 4 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of dry bulk cargo.

Infrastructure Highlights
- Direct Rail Connectivity: 1.54 km dedicated railway line + 2,000 T Railway Wagon Loading System (RWLS) for ship-to-train evacuation.
- Automation: Advanced conveyor systems, stacker-cum-reclaimers, and mobile harbour cranes for efficient cargo handling.
- Cleaner Operations: Eliminates jetty dumping, reduces cargo loss, and ensures safer, more sustainable handling.

Strategic Importance
- Supports industries in West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand (steel, aluminium, power).
- East coast accounts for ~60% of India’s dry bulk imports (coal, bauxite, limestone).
- Reduces logistics costs and turnaround times, strengthening supply chains.
- Directly aligned with Sagarmala Programme and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for multimodal infrastructure.

Key Specs
- Berth Length: 193 m (mooring points: 337 m)
- Cargo Type: Coal & other dry bulk commodities
- Concession Period: 30 years under DBFOT model

This facility sets a new benchmark for port automation and multimodal logistics efficiency on India’s eastern seaboard.