Western Carriers opens General Cargo Terminal at Kolkata Dock System

Western Carriers India (WCIL) has inaugurated its General Cargo Terminal (GCT) at the GCD Yard of the Kolkata Dock System under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA). The terminal will handle containers and other cargo and marks the company’s first operational base on India’s east coast.

The terminal has been developed and will be operated by WCIL under a 15-year agreement with SMPA. It complements the company’s existing 42-acre Multimodal Cargo Terminal at Devaliya, Gujarat, and strengthens its presence across the East–West freight corridor.

Located within the Kolkata Dock System, the terminal is connected to the Eastern Railway network through the Sealdah and Budge Budge sections. It also has access to Kolkata’s road, rail and inland-waterway network. WCIL said this will help strengthen cargo movement originating from and terminating at Kolkata port across domestic and EXIM segments.

The terminal is designed to handle dry bulk, break-bulk and all container categories, including 20-foot, 40-foot and specialised containers. Equipment and manpower have been deployed, and Phase I is fully operational from launch. WCIL expects to begin Phase II within the next 90 days, focusing on higher throughput capacity, operational efficiency and service offerings.

The company will undertake further civil development at the terminal with an initial estimated investment of around ₹136.8 million. The estimate is based on the Port Authority’s estimates and may be revised as development progresses.

WCIL said the facility is expected to help increase its rail modal share in freight transportation through Kolkata port. It will also provide customers with greater flexibility in cargo handling and better integration of road, rail and port-based logistics.

With the Kolkata facility complementing its Devaliya terminal in Gujarat, WCIL said it is strengthening its infrastructure presence across key eastern and western trade corridors. The company intends to use these facilities to enhance multimodal connectivity, support higher cargo volumes and expand its end-to-end logistics and supply-chain services.

The inauguration also aligns with the Government of India’s focus on developing an integrated logistics ecosystem through initiatives including the National Logistics Policy, PM Gati Shakti and Sagarmala.

Commenting on the inauguration, Rajendra Sethia, Chairman and Managing Director, Western Carriers (India), said the Kolkata terminal marks a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into eastern India. He said the company will focus on building capacity, improving operations and expanding its logistics and supply-chain offerings.