Development of Haldia Port and its Effect on Calcutta

From the earliest days of civilisation man has learnt navigation in inland water-ways and seas. Whereas inland water-ways are restricted by their depth, width and current etc., so that only crafts of moderate lengths and shallow draft can use them, the sea-going vessels can be comparatively of gigantic size. But these vessels must call at Ports and so their sizes are dictated by dimensions of the navigable channel approaching the Port. It is well-known that it is far more economical to carry cargoes in huge bulk in large sized vessels than in small craft and hence the Ports which can admit large vessels are important assets of a country.