Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal handed to IRC Natural Resources for O&M

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has handed over the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal (MMT) in West Bengal to IRC Natural Resources for operations and maintenance under a 15-year Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement.

Built under the Jal Marg Vikas Project on National Waterway-1 (NW-1), the terminal has a handling capacity of 3.08 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA). Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, 2023, the terminal is connected to National Highway 41 and is set to receive rail connectivity, strengthening its multimodal logistics integration.

The PPP model adopted by IWAI follows an Equip, Operate and Transfer (EOT) framework. IRC Natural Resources was selected through an open bidding process, quoting a royalty of ₹105.03 per metric tonne of cargo handled, payable to IWAI. The agreement covers an initial 10-year period, extendable by five years.

The operationalisation of Haldia MMT is expected to boost cargo movement via inland waterways, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative for transporting goods, including to North Eastern states and Bangladesh.

The development aligns with the Government of India’s plan to promote Inland Water Transport (IWT) as a sustainable logistics mode. Under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, IWAI has enhanced the 1,390 km stretch of NW-1 across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, including fairway maintenance, construction of terminals, modern navigational locks, and installation of over 60 jetties to support riverine communities.