Kolkata, August 15: The Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port Authority (SMPA) proudly hoisted a 60-meter tall Indian flag at its Netaji Subhas Dock on Friday, as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ initiative. This impressive flag, standing at approximately 197 feet, is among the tallest national flags in the city.
A senior official from SMPA stated that the magnificent 30 by 20 feet flag has become a new landmark in Kolkata’s historic port area. This initiative reflects SMPA’s commitment to the spirit of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and celebrates the values of national pride, unity, and the collective resolve for a ‘Developed India.’
The fluttering flag atop the historic dock symbolizes Kolkata Port’s long-standing contribution to India’s maritime heritage and nation-building.
The flagpole is a permanent structure designed to last 25 years. It features a tapered, hot-dip galvanized, 20-sided polygonal high-tensile steel shaft, anchored on an RCC board cast-in-situ pile foundation.
Officials reported that the flag is operated by a motorized double-drum winch system.
Kolkata Port is the oldest operational riverine major port in the country, officially commencing operations in 1870. The flag was raised next to the historic clock tower, established in 1899 to assist incoming ships with timekeeping. The clock tower predates the Netaji Subhas Dock, which was originally opened as King George Dock in 1928 and renamed in 1973.
During World War II, this dock played a crucial role, serving as a landing point for troops and supplies for the ‘Over the Hump’ operation in the China-Burma-India theater. Today, the Netaji Subhas Dock has ten berths, including a heavy-lift berth.
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