Public-Private Partnership To Power Next Phase Of India’s Inland Waterway Logistics At Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has formally handed over operations of the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) in West Bengal to IRC Natural Resources, marking a key step in India’s push to expand cargo movement through inland waterways.

Built by IWAI with World Bank support, the terminal has a handling capacity of 3.08 million metric tonnes per year and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2023.

The facility is strategically located near National Highway 41, with plans underway to add rail connectivity for smoother cargo transfers across modes.

Under the deal, IRC Natural Resources will operate and maintain the terminal for 10 years on an Equip, Operate and Transfer (EOT) model, extendable by another five years.

The company secured the contract after emerging as the highest bidder, offering a royalty of Rs 105.03 per tonne of cargo handled to IWAI.

In a statement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the operationalisation of Haldia MMT is expected to significantly boost cargo movement through inland waterways, providing a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and faster alternative for transporting goods, particularly to the North Eastern states and Bangladesh.

The Haldia facility is part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project, IWAI’s flagship programme to upgrade the 1,390-km Ganga–Bhagirathi–Hooghly river system, which passes through the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

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