Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port & Hiranandani Group inks Kukrahati LNG Terminal deal

Kolkata Port Trust has entered into an agreement with Mumbai based Hiranandani Group to build a jetty based liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in east Midnapur near Haldia for storage and re-gasification of LNG.

The proposed project at Kukrahati near Haldia entails an investment of around Rs 3900 crore and has an economic value of about Rs 6000 crore.

“This is one of the two LNG terminals being proposed at Haldia. The one by the Hiranandanis will be of 5-million-tonne capacity, while V-LNG is going to build a 1 million tonne capacity terminal. Put together, it would bring additional cargo for the port,” Vinit Kumar, chairman of the port, said.


KoPT, which is now called Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, will collect marine charges and port dues to offer port related services such as pilotage and maintenance of the river channel.

While the terminal will come up on a 38-acre land parcel provided by the Haldia Development Authority, the port will provide access to the waterfront area which is under its jurisdiction and allow cargo handling.

Environmental clearance had already been obtained for the project and SMP has granted the NOC on mutually agreed terms and conditions, a press statement issued by the port stated.

The terminal is expected to provide direct employment to about 250 people and, indirect employment to another 750 people, the release added.

Apart from the onshore LNG storage and regasification terminal, the project envisgaes development of a 125 km long pipeline from Kukrahati to Itinda in Bangladesh and 225 km long pipeline from Kanaichatta to Shrirampur.

Additionally, some 20 liquid to compressed natural gas (LCNG) stations will also get commissioned in West Bengal under this project.

Once commissioned in July 2024, LNG can be used as bunker fuel for ships and barges in the Hooghly River. It will cater to the requirements of West Bengal and nearby states.