Kolkata

The Centre has proposed maritime and logistics projects worth ₹19,209 crore in West Bengal by 2031 as part of efforts to position the state as a major maritime gateway for eastern India.

The proposed investments, expected to generate over 62,500 direct and indirect jobs, were discussed during a meeting between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The discussions focused on expanding maritime infrastructure, modernising ports, strengthening inland waterways, boosting shipbuilding capabilities, and promoting port-led industrial development across the state.

Planned under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, the investment roadmap includes the development of the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, modernisation and mechanisation of facilities at Kolkata and Haldia ports, enhancement of inland water transport networks, establishment of advanced shipbuilding and repair facilities, expansion of cruise tourism infrastructure, riverfront development projects, and creation of industrial clusters linked to ports.

Sonowal said the proposed initiatives are aimed at attracting significant private investment while creating large-scale employment opportunities and strengthening West Bengal's role in India's maritime economy.

He noted that the state's strategic location makes it a crucial component of India's maritime growth plans and said the projects would help transform Kolkata and Haldia into leading maritime centres for eastern India.

During the meeting, Adhikari highlighted several priority projects requiring coordination between the Centre and the state government. These included Sagarmala 2.0 initiatives, a proposed tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, development of additional jetty infrastructure, dredging activities on National Waterway-1, protection of river embankments, and improvements in land and irrigation-related infrastructure.

He said these projects would contribute significantly to strengthening the state's maritime ecosystem, improving connectivity, and accelerating economic growth.

The discussions also underscored the importance of leveraging West Bengal's extensive river network, industrial base, and geographical advantages to attract investments and enhance trade and logistics activities.

Highlighting recent growth trends, Sonowal said cargo handling at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port has increased substantially over the past decade, rising from 46.29 million metric tonnes in 2014 to 70.87 million metric tonnes in 2025-26. He also noted that cargo movement through inland waterways has expanded nearly fivefold during the same period.

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Officials said the proposed projects are expected to play a key role in strengthening regional connectivity, boosting industrial activity, and supporting long-term economic development in West Bengal.