JSW Beats Adani Bags Kolkata NSD Project

West Bengal has handed a major infrastructure boost to its port sector with JSW Infrastructure clinching a ₹698.84 crore deal to modernise and operate two berths at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Dock. Beating Adani Group in the bidding war, this 30-year concession signals JSW’s deeper industrial commitment to the state while promising faster cargo movement, upgraded logistics, and a more sustainable trade ecosystem for eastern India.

JSW Infrastructure, the port and logistics arm of the $24 billion JSW Group, has secured the highest bid for the redevelopment of berths 7 and 8 under the Calcutta Dock System. This marks its first major logistics venture in the state and represents its second investment in West Bengal this year, following a ₹16,000 crore commitment to a thermal power project in Salboni. The project, set to be executed under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), involves reconstructing berth 8 and modernising berth 7. According to the approved tender terms, the two berths will be able to handle approximately 4.48 lakh TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of container cargo annually. JSW has committed to paying ₹4,678 per TEU in royalty, making it one of the most aggressive concession bids seen in the region.

This victory is particularly significant given JSW’s earlier interest in developing Bengal’s Tajpur Port, which it had lost to Adani Ports. With the Adani deal now cancelled by the state government, and re-tendering on the horizon, the stage appears set for JSW to expand its footprint even further in Bengal’s port sector. The development signals more than just corporate rivalry; it marks a shift in how Bengal envisions port-led growth. By awarding the concession to JSW, the state is aligning its maritime ambitions with companies offering long-term, integrated infrastructure strategies. The inclusion of modern cargo-handling technology, like rail-mounted quay cranes, and an emphasis on night-time navigation, are expected to cut ship turnaround time and lower logistics costs—both vital for trade competitiveness.

Speaking on the development, SMPK officials confirmed that the port authority’s board had approved JSW’s bid and that the letter of intent would be issued shortly. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take roughly two and a half years to become fully operational. This project is a critical piece in West Bengal’s larger push to rejuvenate its maritime and logistics capabilities. The Kolkata Dock System, although historically important, has struggled due to its low riverine draught, which restricts large vessel movement. As a result, the system primarily handles small feeder ships and requires frequent dredging and operational adaptation.

In the last financial year alone, SMPK’s container terminals handled 642,000 TEUs, a sizeable chunk of which passed through the Netaji Subhas and Kidderpore Docks. The addition of JSW’s expertise and upgraded handling systems is expected to elevate these numbers significantly, while also attracting more consistent feeder traffic. From an environmental standpoint, the modernisation project dovetails with state and national goals for greener logistics. By integrating improved rail connectivity, reducing on-ground truck congestion, and streamlining cargo flows, the berths will contribute to lowering carbon emissions per unit of trade. This transformation supports the broader mission of building climate-resilient and net-zero cities, a cause that JSW Infrastructure has publicly embraced.

There is also a substantial social angle embedded in the project. With the construction and long-term operation of the upgraded berths, JSW’s presence is likely to generate local employment, skill development, and inclusive workforce engagement. The introduction of technically advanced systems offers opportunities for upskilling, especially among younger and more diverse job seekers in Bengal’s urban and semi-urban pockets. At a strategic level, JSW’s entry into Kolkata brings both symbolism and substance. With Adani already operational at Haldia and maintaining container berths under contract at Kolkata, JSW’s presence ensures Bengal now hosts India’s top two private sector port operators. This competitive balance may foster better service delivery, improved cargo rates, and innovation in operations—ultimately benefitting the trading community and the public alike.

The timing of the project is also noteworthy. As India doubles down on infrastructure through initiatives like Gati Shakti and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, investments in multimodal transport networks are gaining traction. JSW’s Kolkata win may well serve as a model for future public-private partnerships in the eastern region. Moreover, the scalability built into the project ensures that Kolkata’s port operations won’t hit capacity ceilings anytime soon. With the expected throughput set to rise annually, the revamped berths offer Bengal a long-term logistics asset capable of fuelling trade, manufacturing, and urban expansion. At a city level, the benefits ripple outward. Fewer delays at ports mean reduced road congestion, cleaner air in port-adjacent zones, and faster turnaround for goods essential to urban supply chains. These aren’t just commercial wins—they’re quality-of-life upgrades for Kolkata’s residents.

By locking in this deal, West Bengal takes a firm step toward its aspiration of becoming a logistics hub for the eastern corridor. Whether through expanded exports, more efficient container flows, or smarter urban infrastructure, the JSW berth project is designed to serve more than just trade. It’s designed to serve the city itself.

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JSW Beats Adani Bags Kolkata NSD Project