Public-Private Partnership to Propel Next Phase of Inland Waterway Logistics at Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal

India’s inland water transport network is set for a major boost as the government announces a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to develop and operate the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal in West Bengal. The move aims to transform the terminal into a high-capacity logistics hub, enhancing cargo handling efficiency and promoting sustainable transport through inland waterways.

Under the PPP model, private sector expertise will be leveraged to modernize infrastructure, integrate digital logistics systems, and strengthen connectivity with rail and road networks. The Haldia terminal, strategically located at the confluence of the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, serves as a key node on National Waterway-1, linking eastern and northern India to major ports and industrial corridors.

The initiative aligns with the government’s vision to shift freight movement from congested roads to greener and more economical waterways, thereby reducing logistics costs and carbon emissions. With the Haldia terminal poised to handle diverse cargo including coal, fertilizers, cement, and food grains, the project is expected to catalyze regional trade and unlock new economic opportunities across eastern India