The Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is grappling with significant challenges despite its strategically advantageous location. One of the primary issues is a reduction in draught due to siltation. The port's depth has decreased from 9 metres to 7 metres, rendering it inadequate for large container ships that require a minimum of 12 metres for safe navigation.
Regular dredging is essential to maintain navigability in this region. However, it is both costly and often controversial, leading to inadequacies in addressing the rapid silt build-up caused by the unique geomorphology of the delta. This situation necessitates urgent action to restore the port's functionality.
Due to the shallow draught, large ships are unable to dock directly at Kolkata Port. Instead, they frequently have to offload cargo either at sea or at other ports. The river's current draught does not support "Panamax" ships, which are standard in global shipping.
To alleviate the pressure on Kolkata Port, Haldia Port was developed downstream. However, it faces similar siltation challenges, with draught levels sometimes plummeting to 6.3 metres, leading to delays in turnaround times for vessels.
The urgency for developing new ports is heightened by geopolitical dynamics, particularly strained relations between India and Bangladesh. Dependence on Chittagong Port is becoming less tenable. Furthermore, nations like Nepal and Bhutan, along with Northeast India, require independent routes for global trade access.
The Union government has shown a preference for Sagar Island, located 150 km south of Kolkata, as a new port site. In contrast, the West Bengal government favors Tajpur, situated in East Midnapore, just 6 km from the rail line connecting to Odisha and Jharkhand.
Progress towards establishing new ports has been hampered by disagreements over location, technical and environmental concerns, and political tensions between the central and state governments. These factors have contributed to a stalemate in port development.
A deep-sea port is critical for eastern India. It would ensure uninterrupted container traffic, lower logistics costs, and enhance trade support for Northeast and eastern India. Additionally, it would work to complement the existing Haldia and Kolkata ports.
For effective port development, seamless rail-road connectivity, inter-governmental cooperation, and sustained investment are essential. These elements are crucial to building a port that can accommodate future trade demands effectively.
Establishing a new deep-sea port can transform the eastern region into a major trade hub. It would facilitate the development of industrial corridors and support export-led growth, benefiting states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and the Northeast.
Q1. Why is Kolkata Port struggling with operational issues?
Answer: Kolkata Port faces operational challenges primarily due to siltation, leading to a reduced draught that impedes access for large container ships.
Q2. How does dredging affect Kolkata Port?
Answer: Dredging is necessary to maintain navigability, but it is expensive and often insufficient due to rapid silt accumulation from the delta's geomorphology.
Q3. What alternatives exist for large vessels unable to dock at Kolkata Port?
Answer: Large vessels often offload cargo at offshore locations or alternative ports due to insufficient draught at Kolkata.
Q4. What are the proposed locations for new ports near Kolkata?
Answer: The Union government prefers Sagar Island, while the West Bengal government supports Tajpur as potential new port sites.
Q5. Why is a deep-sea port important for eastern India?
Answer: A deep-sea port is vital for ensuring efficient container traffic and supporting trade in Northeast and eastern India, enhancing overall economic growth.
Question 1: What is the main issue facing Kolkata Port?
A) Overcapacity
B) Siltation
C) High tariffs
D) Insufficient cargo
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Why are large ships unable to dock at Kolkata Port?
A) Poor infrastructure
B) Shallow draught
C) High traffic
D) Weather conditions
Correct Answer: B
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