New Delhi: Shyama Prasad Mookerjee (SMP) Port, Kolkata, has assured full support for trade to ensure smooth cargo movement to Nepal in light of the ongoing political crisis in the neighbouring country. This announcement comes after Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, following massive anti-government protests during which demonstrators vandalized the parliament building and attacked residences of several top politicians, including President Ramchandra Paudel.
Monitoring and Operational Readiness
SMP Port Deputy Chairman Samrat Rahi told PTI that Nepal relies heavily on Kolkata port facilities for its third-country trade, with the majority of cargo transported by rail. “We are closely monitoring the situation. So far, there has been no request for special support, but we are always accommodative for any assistance or relaxation for trade if needed due to the unrest,” Rahi said.
Container freight stations with warehousing facilities near the India-Nepal border are expected to ensure continuity in operations, minimizing any delays in unloading or discharge of Nepal-bound cargo.
Strategic Trade Importance
While trade with Nepal constitutes a small portion of SMP Port’s overall annual cargo, it remains strategically important for regional commerce. Nepal’s transit trade primarily flows through Kolkata, Haldia, and Visakhapatnam ports, as per the India-Nepal Treaty of Transit.
India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 63% of its total trade. In FY 2024-25, bilateral trade reached USD 8.02 billion, with India exporting USD 7.3 billion worth of goods, including petroleum, iron and steel, automobiles, machinery, and cereals, contributing nearly 16% to Nepal’s GDP. In turn, Nepal exported cardamom, iron sheets, edible oil, juices, plywood, and jute, with India absorbing nearly 68% of these outbound shipments.
Ensuring Regional Stability
The proactive stance by SMP Port highlights India’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted trade flows with Nepal despite the political unrest. Analysts say that ensuring smooth cargo movement is crucial for economic stability, supply chain continuity, and bilateral relations between the two countries.
SMP Port’s measures reinforce its role as a critical trade gateway for Nepal and demonstrate preparedness to mitigate potential disruptions in transit trade during periods of crisis.
About SPM
Port of Kolkata or Kolkata Port, officially known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is the only riverine major port of India, located in the city of Kolkata, West Bengal, around 203 kilometres from the sea. It is the oldest operating port in India and was constructed by the British East India Company.
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