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Kolkata Port’s newly launched direct shipping service to China has garnered an overwhelming response from exporters, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime trade. The direct service, which connects Kolkata with key Chinese ports such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Qingdao, was introduced in response to growing demand for more efficient and cost-effective trade routes between India and China.
Since its inauguration, the service has seen a substantial uptick in cargo volumes, reflecting the enthusiasm of Indian exporters who have long sought a direct maritime link to China. The service offers significant advantages, including reduced transit times and lower shipping costs, by eliminating the need for transhipment at intermediary ports. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive goods, such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, which make up a large portion of the trade between the two nations.
Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) officials have reported that the service has already reached near-full capacity on several sailings, highlighting the pent-up demand for direct shipping solutions. The port’s strategic location in eastern India makes it an ideal gateway for trade with Southeast Asia and the Far East, and the new service further cements its role as a vital nexus in the maritime logistics system of the area.
The introduction of this direct route is also expected to boost Kolkata’s standing as a major port, attracting more business and investment to the region. By offering a faster and more reliable connection to one of the world’s largest economies, the port aims to enhance its competitiveness and appeal to a broader range of industries.
The strong response to the new service underscores the deepening trade ties between India and China despite broader geopolitical tensions. China is still one of India’s main trading partners, and trade between the two countries is still robust. The direct service is expected to facilitate the smoother flow of goods, further enhancing bilateral trade volumes.
Looking ahead, KoPT is planning to expand the frequency of the direct service in response to the high demand. The port authority is also exploring additional routes to other key Asian markets, aiming to establish Kolkata as a premier trade hub in the region.
This development is seen as a positive step towards strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and supporting the country’s export growth. With the success of the direct service to China, Kolkata Port is poised to play an increasingly important role in facilitating India’s global trade ambitions.