Kolkata Set to Become Eastern India’s Maritime Hub with ₹19,209 Crore Investment
In a significant move to boost West Bengal’s economy, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata. The duo discussed an ambitious proposal that aims to transform West Bengal into the maritime hub of Eastern India, with a projected investment pipeline of ₹19,209 crore by 2031. This initiative is expected to create over 62,500 direct and indirect jobs, establishing the state as a key player in maritime and logistics operations.
Investment Roadmap for Maritime Development
During the meeting, Sonowal and Adhikari reviewed a comprehensive investment roadmap centered on future developments in ports, inland waterways, shipbuilding, and logistics. They also explored port-led industrialization strategies that can leverage West Bengal’s location and resources.
Key Projects in the Pipeline
The proposed investments, aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, include several key projects. Among them are the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, upgrades to the Kolkata and Haldia docks, enhancement of inland waterways, and development of cutting-edge shipbuilding and repair facilities. Other initiatives aim to boost cruise tourism and support riverfront redevelopment.
Vision for Economic Growth
Sonowal emphasized that this investment program is designed to attract private capital while also creating a substantial number of jobs. He stated, “West Bengal is central to India’s maritime future. With a near ₹19,209 crore investment pipeline, we aim to elevate Kolkata and Haldia into the premier maritime gateway for eastern India, providing more than 62,500 employment opportunities.” This initiative is poised to unlock vast opportunities in trade, industry, and tourism.
Collaboration for Maritime Infrastructure
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed support for continued collaboration between the state and central government on maritime infrastructure and related projects. He highlighted discussions on priority initiatives such as Sagarmala 2.0, the proposed tunnel across the Hooghly River, and jetty infrastructure developments, all crucial for enhancing West Bengal’s maritime ecosystem and economic growth.
Significant Growth and Future Prospects
During the meeting, Sonowal noted the impressive increase in cargo throughput at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, which has risen from 46.29 million metric tonnes in 2014 to an anticipated 70.87 million metric tonnes in 2025-26. Moreover, inland waterways cargo movement has expanded nearly five-fold over the last decade.
The proposed investments are expected to boost logistics efficiency, lower transportation costs, enhance exports, and create an environment conducive for industries dependent on maritime connectivity. By fostering integrated development across ports, waterways, logistics parks, and maritime manufacturing facilities, West Bengal is set to experience accelerated economic growth.
The meeting also included Shantanu Thakur, the Union Minister of State for MoPSW, along with senior officials from the Ministry and the West Bengal government, highlighting the collaborative effort to transform the state’s maritime potential into a reality.
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