One of the top multimodal, rail-focused 4PL logistics firms in India, Western Carriers (India) Limited (WCIL), opened its General Cargo Terminal (GCT) at the GCD Yard of the Kolkata Dock System under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA). Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority Chairperson Shri Rathendra Raman attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The terminal, which was built and run by WCIL under a 15-year contract with SMPA, is the company’s first operational base on India’s east coast. It strengthens its presence throughout the vital East-West freight corridor and complements its current 42-acre Multimodal Cargo Terminal in Devaliya, Gujarat.

The terminal benefits from Kolkata’s extensive road, rail, and inland-waterway connectivity. It is part of the Kolkata Dock System and is connected to the Eastern Railroad network via the Sealdah and Budge Budge sections. Because of its advantageous location, WCIL is able to enhance the movement of cargo from and to Kolkata port in both the domestic and EXIM segments.

The terminal is built to handle all types of containers, including 20-foot, 40-foot, and specialty containers, as well as dry bulk and break-bulk. The facility has finished deploying personnel and equipment, and Phase I has been fully operational since launch. With an emphasis on improving throughput capacity, operational efficiency, and service offerings, the company anticipates starting Phase II development within the next ninety days.

Based on the Port Authority’s estimates and subject to change as the project moves forward, the Company will undertake additional civil development at the terminal with an initial estimated investment of roughly 13.68 crore.

In addition to giving customers more flexibility in cargo handling and better integration of road, rail, and port-based logistics, the facility is anticipated to assist WCIL in increasing its rail modal share in freight transportation through Kolkata port.

WCIL is bolstering its infrastructure presence throughout the nation’s major eastern and western trade corridors with the Kolkata facility, which complements its Devaliya terminal in Gujarat. In order to improve multimodal connectivity, accommodate increased cargo volumes, and broaden its end-to-end logistics and supply-chain service offerings, the company plans to make use of these strategic facilities.

Additionally, the inauguration is in line with the Government of India’s efforts to create an integrated and effective logistics ecosystem through programs like PM Gati Shakti, Sagarmala, and the National Logistics Policy.

Priyanka Dutta