Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) announced the commissioning of its Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT) by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 14, 2026. This facility, the first fully automated dry bulk facility in India, has an annual capacity of 4 MMTPA. It is strategically located on the Hooghly River and features direct rail connectivity, significantly boosting cargo movement for industries in West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
APSEZ Unveils India’s First Fully Automated Dry Bulk Terminal
On March 14, 2026, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioned the Haldia Bulk Terminal (HBT), dedicating the state-of-the-art facility to the nation. Designed to handle dry bulk cargo, the terminal boasts an annual capacity of 4 MMTPA. The HBT is situated on the Hooghly River and is a structural upgrade featuring direct rail connections, enhancing the efficiency of India’s eastern maritime corridor.
Next-Generation Efficiency and Sustainability
Mr. Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO, APSEZ, stated that the terminal is a next-generation facility bringing full mechanization and direct rail evacuation to the Hooghly. Key operational improvements include eliminating jetty dumping and lowering cargo loss through advanced automated systems, ensuring cleaner, safer, and more sustainable operations. The terminal is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening the industrial supply chains across West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand.
Project Execution and Location
The terminal, located within the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC) of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, was developed under a 30-year concession using the Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) model. Development commenced on July 14, 2023, and was delivered to commissioning readiness on schedule, showcasing APSEZ’s execution capability.
Strategically positioned on the western bank of the Hooghly River, the HBT is equipped to handle crucial dry bulk commodities like imported coal, bauxite, and limestone, serving the steel, aluminum, and power industries in the eastern states.
Key Infrastructure Enhancements
Since construction began, APSEZ has executed several critical infrastructure works to ensure seamless operations:
- Installation of a 2,000 T Railway Wagon Loading System (RWLS) and commissioning of a 1.54 km dedicated railway line, allowing direct ship-to-train cargo evacuation.
- Refurbishment of the existing jetty.
- Installation of advanced conveyor systems for process automation.
- Deployment of two stacker-cum-reclaimers for automated stockyard management.
- Addition of two mobile harbour cranes to speed up vessel discharge.
Key Specifications Snapshot
The terminal’s technical specifications highlight its capacity and capability:
- Installed Capacity: 4 MMTPA
- Cargo Type: Dry bulk (coal, and other bulk commodities)
- Draft: 8.5 metres
- Berths: 1 (with an extreme mooring length of 337 m)
- Dedicated Rail Line: 1.54 km
- Concession Period: 30 years
APSEZ’s Integrated Logistics Vision
APSEZ, a part of the Adani Group, is a leading Integrated Transport Utility, managing operations from cargo origination to final delivery. The company currently handles 633 million tonnes per annum, targeting 1 billion tonnes throughput by 2030. APSEZ operates 15 strategically located ports and terminals across India, supported by 12 multi-modal logistics parks and over 25,000+ trucks.
The company’s commitment to global standards is recognized, placing it among the Top 5% of global transportation and transportation infrastructure firms in the 2025 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (95th percentile globally).
Source: BSE
