Western Carriers has inaugurated a general cargo terminal at the GCD Yard of the Kolkata Dock System on September 11, 2026, marking its entry into eastern India's port infrastructure segment under a 15-year agreement with the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA).

Strategic entry into eastern India port infrastructure

The launch of the General Cargo Terminal (GCT) represents a significant operational development for Western Carriers, extending its logistics footprint into the port infrastructure space in eastern India. The facility is developed and operated by Western Carriers under a 15-year agreement with SMPA. This marks the company's first operational base on India's east coast, complementing its existing 42-acre Multimodal Cargo Terminal at Devaliya, Gujarat.

The move into port-based infrastructure underscores Western Carriers' broader strategy of expanding its logistics and cargo handling capabilities beyond traditional freight operations. Located within the Kolkata Dock System, the terminal connects to the Eastern Railway network through the Sealdah and Budge Budge sections. It also benefits from Kolkata's extensive road, rail, and inland-waterway connectivity.

Operational scope and future plans

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 for Phase I was completed prior to launch. The company expects to commence Phase II development within the next 90 days, focusing on enhancing throughput capacity, operational efficiency, and service offerings.

The initial estimated investment for civil development is approximately ₹13.68 crore, based on Port Authority estimates. This figure is subject to revision as development progresses. The facility aims to increase Western Carriers' rail modal share in freight transportation through Kolkata port while providing customers with greater flexibility in cargo handling.

Rajendra Sethia, Chairman and Managing Director, stated that the inauguration marks a significant milestone in the company's strategic expansion into Eastern India. He noted that the terminal provides a strategic platform to serve growing cargo volumes and enhance rail-led freight movement across the critical East-West corridor.

Western Carriers (India) Limited has scheduled its 15th Annual General Meeting for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 12:30 pm via video conferencing or other audio-visual means.

The Annual Report for FY26 and the AGM notice were dispatched electronically on September 8, 2026, to all members whose email addresses are registered with the company, its Registrar and Share Transfer Agent, or Depository Participants. In accordance with Regulation 36(1)(b) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, letters have also been sent to shareholders whose email addresses are not registered, providing web links to access the Annual Report and AGM notice on the company website.

Meeting and voting schedule

The 15th AGM will be conducted through video conferencing in compliance with applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The following key dates and timings apply to the meeting and remote e-voting process.

Members holding shares as on September 23, 2026 are eligible to cast their vote through remote e-voting. The remote e-voting module will be disabled by NSDL at 5:00 pm on September 29, 2026. Members who acquire shares after dispatch of the AGM notice and hold shares as on the cut-off date may obtain their User ID and Password for remote e-voting by sending a request to evoting@nsdl.co.in .

KYC and payment requirements

Shareholders holding securities in physical mode are required to update their KYC details as per SEBI Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/MIRSD/POD-1/P/CIR/2024/37 dated May 7, 2024. The required details include PAN, address with PIN code, mobile number, bank account details, specimen signature, and nomination choice. Payments including dividends will be made only through electronic mode for folios lacking updated details from April 1, 2024. The annual report and AGM notice are available on the company website and stock exchange portals.