Centre proposes ₹19,209 crore maritime investment for West Bengal by 2031

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the roadmap during a meeting in Kolkata with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

The Centre has proposed a maritime investment pipeline worth ₹19,209 crore for West Bengal by 2031, with a vision to transform the state into eastern India's leading maritime and logistics hub. The plan is expected to create more than 62,500 direct and indirect jobs while strengthening port infrastructure, inland waterways, shipbuilding facilities and logistics networks across the state. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the roadmap during a meeting in Kolkata with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The discussions focused on future opportunities in ports, shipping, logistics, waterways and industrial development linked to maritime infrastructure.

Ports, Waterways and Logistics to Drive Growth

The proposed projects form part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a long-term strategy aimed at expanding India's maritime capabilities. Key projects include the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, expansion and mechanisation of Kolkata and Haldia docks, development of inland waterways, modern shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, cruise tourism infrastructure, riverfront redevelopment projects and port-led industrial clusters.

According to Sonowal, the investment programme is expected to attract significant private sector participation while creating large-scale employment opportunities. He said West Bengal occupies a crucial place in India's maritime future due to its strategic location, industrial base and extensive river network. The minister noted that the planned investments would strengthen Kolkata and Haldia as major gateways for trade and logistics in eastern India. He added that improved maritime infrastructure would support industries, boost exports and lower transportation costs for businesses operating in the region.

Cargo Growth Highlights Rising Maritime Potential

During the meeting, both leaders also discussed several priority projects, including Sagarmala 2.0, the proposed tunnel across the Hooghly River, development of jetty infrastructure, dredging of National Waterway-1, protection of the Hooghly embankment and improvements in land and irrigation infrastructure connected to maritime development.

Suvendu Adhikari welcomed continued cooperation between the Centre and the state on projects aimed at improving connectivity, trade and economic activity. He said these initiatives would play an important role in strengthening West Bengal's maritime ecosystem and supporting long-term economic growth.

Highlighting the state's growing importance in the sector, Sonowal pointed out that cargo throughput at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port has increased from 46.29 million metric tonnes in 2014 to 70.87 million metric tonnes in 2025-26. Cargo movement through inland waterways has also expanded nearly five times over the past decade. The Centre believes that integrated development of ports, waterways, logistics parks and maritime manufacturing facilities can create a stronger economic corridor across West Bengal while generating benefits for the wider eastern and northeastern regions of the country.