Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met with West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on June 4 in Kolkata to deliberate on plans to establish West Bengal as the maritime hub of Eastern India. The discussions centred around a proposed ₹19,209 crore investment pipeline aimed at enhancing the state’s maritime infrastructure by 2031.

The proposed projects aim to create over 62,500 employment opportunities, both direct and indirect. The investment initiative is envisioned to position West Bengal as a significant maritime and logistics centre in Eastern India, thus playing a crucial role in the country’s economic growth.

During the meeting, both leaders evaluated an investment roadmap that outlines future developments in key areas such as ports, inland waterways, shipbuilding, logistics, and port-led industrialisation in West Bengal.

Planned Investments Under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

The investment plans are part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which includes a comprehensive strategy for improving various maritime projects. Key projects discussed include the development of the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, enhancements to Kolkata and Haldia docks, and the strengthening of inland waterways.

There is also a focus on establishing world-class shipbuilding and repair facilities, enhancing cruise tourism infrastructure, redeveloping riverfronts, and developing port-led industrial clusters. These initiatives are expected to substantially enhance West Bengal’s appeal as a destination for maritime investments.

Union Minister Sonowal stressed the significance of West Bengal in India’s maritime future. He mentioned that the investment programme is designed to draw private capital, generate employment on a large scale, and establish the region as a preferred location for maritime and logistics investments.

Strengthening Collaboration Between Centre and State

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari expressed his optimism regarding ongoing collaboration between the central government and the state on maritime infrastructure and connectivity initiatives. He underscored the need for support on priority projects aimed at enhancing economic activities and trade.

The meeting highlighted the central government’s vision of utilising West Bengal’s strategic location, extensive river network, and industrial capabilities to transform the state into a top maritime investment hub and growth engine for India. Both leaders discussed several priority maritime and connectivity projects, including Sagarmala 2.0, a proposed tunnel across the Hooghly River, jetties, and dredging of National Waterway-1.

Adhikari noted that these initiatives are critical for reinforcing West Bengal’s maritime ecosystem and supporting economic advancement. He expressed his expectation for continued cooperation with the Government of India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to facilitate the state’s developmental needs.

Increasing Maritime Potential Evident Through Cargo Statistics

Union Minister Sonowal further highlighted the increasing maritime potential of the state, citing significant growth in cargo throughput at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The throughput rose from 46.29 million metric tonnes in 2014 to a projected 70.87 million metric tonnes in 2025-26. Furthermore, cargo movement through inland waterways has increased nearly five-fold over the past decade.

This growth signifies West Bengal’s evolving role in India’s maritime sector and underscores the necessity of continued investment and development in maritime infrastructure to support further growth and opportunity in the region.

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