Kolkata, India, 11th September 2026: Western Carriers (India) Limited (WCIL), one of India’s leading multimodal, rail-focused 4PL logistics companies, today inaugurated its General Cargo Terminal (GCT) at the GCD Yard of the Kolkata Dock System under the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA). The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held in the presence of Rathendra Raman, Chairperson, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority.
Developed and operated by WCIL under a 15-year agreement with SMPA, the terminal marks the Company’s first operational base on India’s east coast, complementing its existing 42-acre Multimodal Cargo Terminal at Devaliya, Gujarat, and strengthening its presence across the critical East-West freight corridor.
Located within the Kolkata Dock System and connected to the Eastern Railway network through the Sealdah and Budge Budge sections, the terminal also benefits from Kolkata’s extensive road, rail and inland-waterway connectivity. This strategic location enables WCIL to further strengthen cargo movement originating from and terminating at Kolkata port across both 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 deployment at the facility has been completed, with Phase I fully operational from launch. The Company expects to commence Phase II development within the next 90 days, with a focus on enhancing throughput capacity, operational efficiency and service offerings.
The Company will undertake further civil development at the terminal with an initial estimated investment of approximately 13.68 crore, based on the Port Authority’s estimates and subject to revision as the development progresses.
The facility is expected to help WCIL increase its rail modal share in freight transportation through Kolkata port, while providing customers with greater flexibility in cargo handling and improved integration of road, rail and port-based logistics.
With the Kolkata facility complementing its Devaliya terminal in Gujarat, WCIL is strengthening its infrastructure presence across the country’s key eastern and western trade corridors. The Company intends to leverage these strategic facilities to enhance multimodal connectivity, support higher cargo volumes and further expand its end-to-end logistics and supply-chain service offerings.
The inauguration also aligns with the Government of India’s focus on developing an integrated and efficient 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) Limited said, “The inauguration of our General Cargo Terminal at the Kolkata Dock System marks a significant milestone in Western Carriers’ journey and our strategic expansion into Eastern India. With our established presence in Gujarat and this new facility in Kolkata, we are strengthening our rail-linked capabilities across the critical East-West corridor. The terminal provides us with a strategic platform to serve our growing cargo volumes, enhance rail-led freight movement and further expand our integrated logistics and supply-chain offerings. We are grateful to the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority for their partnership and support in making this facility operational. As we enter this next phase, our focus will be on building capacity, driving operational excellence and creating greater value for our customers, while contributing to a more connected and efficient logistics ecosystem in Eastern India.”
