Hyderabad: Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said a proposed ₹19,209 crore West Bengal maritime investment programme would create more than 62,500 jobs by 2031 and strengthen the state’s position as a major maritime and logistics hub in eastern India.
During a meeting in Kolkata, Sonowal and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari reviewed plans for port development, inland waterways, shipbuilding, logistics and port-led industrial growth. The discussions focused on projects proposed under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Sonowal said the Centre planned to transform Kolkata and Haldia into key maritime gateways. He said the West Bengal maritime investment programme would attract private capital, improve logistics infrastructure and generate large-scale employment.
The proposed projects include the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, expansion and mechanisation of Kolkata and Haldia docks, inland waterway upgrades, shipbuilding facilities, cruise tourism infrastructure, riverfront development and industrial clusters linked to ports.
Adhikari welcomed cooperation between the Centre and the state on maritime infrastructure, dredging, waterways and connectivity projects. He also sought support for priority initiatives aimed at boosting trade and economic activity.
Cargo growth highlights West Bengal maritime investment potential
Sonowal said cargo throughput at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port increased from 46.29 million metric tonnes in 2014 to 70.87 million metric tonnes in 2025-26. He also said inland waterways cargo movement grew nearly five-fold during the past decade.
According to the Minister, stronger port and logistics infrastructure will reduce transport costs, improve export competitiveness and support industries that depend on maritime connectivity.
Adhikari said discussions covered Sagarmala 2.0, the proposed Hooghly River tunnel, jetty infrastructure, National Waterway-1 dredging, embankment protection and land-related issues. He expressed confidence that continued cooperation with the Centre would accelerate development in the state.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, senior ministry officials and representatives of the West Bengal government.
