The first phase of India’s new multimodal terminal being built at Sahibganj in Jharkhand on River Ganga will be completed in August this year.
This was confirmed by Mansukh Mandaviya, the country’s Minister of State for Shipping and Minister for Chemical and Fertilizers.
Part of the Jal Marg Vikas Project, Sahibganj Multimodal Terminal (MMT) is strategically located in the logistic chain of Eastern Transport Corridor of India.
Being close to both NH-80 and the Sakrigali railway station, the MMT is expected to boost cargo movement in the area, leading to extensive socio-economic and industrial development of the region.
It will also provide an alternative route for Nepal bound cargo and open up international markets for sea trade for landlocked states of Jharkhand and Bihar.
The minister further informed that the projected traffic volume of Sahibganj MMT is 2.24 million tonne per annum (MTPA) by 2020-21. Cargoes expected to be handled are stone chips, coal, cement, food grains, fertilizer and sugar.
Back in 2016, India awarded the contract for the construction of the terminal to Larson & Toubro (L&T).
Once completed, the terminal will have berthing space for two vessels, stockyard for storing, belt conveyor system with fixed hoppers, barge loader, shore protection works, ramps, roads and parking area as well as terminal buildings.