Kolkata Port Installs Massive 197 Feet Tall National Flag

The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Authority has installed a 197-foot tall national flag at the Netaji Subhash Dock in Kolkata as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. This new landmark stands as one of the tallest national flags in the city and represents national pride and unity.

Flag Specifications and Construction

The national flag measures 30 feet in length and 20 feet in width. It is mounted on a 60-meter high pole designed with high-strength steel in a 20-sided structure. The flag pole has an estimated lifespan of 25 years and is supported by a reinforced cement concrete foundation. A motorized double-drum winch system is used to hoist and lower the flag daily.

Historical Significance of the Dock

Located near the historic clock tower built in 1899, the flag highlights the long-standing maritime heritage of the port. The Netaji Subhash Dock, originally opened as King George Dock in 1928, played a vital role during the Second World War by facilitating the movement of troops and military equipment. The Kolkata Port remains the oldest operating river-based major port in India, having started its formal operations in 1870.

Role in Regional Trade

Today, the Netaji Subhash Dock serves as a major container hub for the region. It features 10 berths that handle various types of cargo, including liquid and containerized goods. This facility is crucial for trade movement to states in North and Northeast India, as well as landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan. The site also supports ship repair and reconstruction activities managed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers. According to the report by Hindusthan Samachar, this initiative reflects the collective commitment toward a developed India.