Importance, history of Kolkata Port that PM named after Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

PM Modi announced at an event that the Kolkata Port would now be known by the name of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. He fought at the forefront for the idea of One Nation, One Constitution, PM also said. The port was first used by the Portuguese in the 16th century to anchor their ships as the upper reaches of the Hooghly river were beyond reach and unsafe for navigation. In 1870, the Calcutta Port Act was passed. Post independence, the port lost its position in cargo traffic to ports in Mumbai, Chennai and Visakhapatanam. The Kolkata Port now known as the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee port is the only riverine port in the country that is situated 203 kilometres from the sea. Let us take a look at the history and significance of this port on MyNation’s SimplifiedBy.