West Bengal eyes ₹192 billion maritime push under vision 2047

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal met West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata to discuss a proposed maritime investment pipeline of ₹192.09 billion aimed at transforming West Bengal into eastern India’s maritime and logistics hub by 2031. The projects, planned under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, are expected to generate more than 62,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities across the state.

During the meeting, both leaders reviewed plans for the future development of ports, inland waterways, shipbuilding, logistics and port-led industrialisation in West Bengal.

The proposed investment programme includes the development of the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, expansion and mechanisation of Kolkata and Haldia docks, strengthening of inland waterways, creation of world-class shipbuilding and ship repair facilities, development of cruise tourism infrastructure, riverfront redevelopment and establishment of port-led industrial clusters.

Sonowal said the investment programme is designed to attract private investment, create large-scale employment and establish West Bengal as a preferred destination for maritime and logistics investments.

“West Bengal is central to India's maritime future. Under the dynamic leadership of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji, with an investment pipeline of nearly ₹192.09 billion, we aim to transform Bengal maritime hubs Kolkata and Haldia into the premier maritime gateway of eastern India while generating more than 62,500 employment opportunities. The double engine sarkar model will deliver these projects to unlock unprecedented opportunities for trade, industry and tourism,” said Sonowal.

Adhikari welcomed continued cooperation between the Centre and the state on maritime infrastructure, waterways development, dredging, riverfront projects and connectivity initiatives. He also sought support for priority projects aimed at boosting economic activity and trade in the state.

“We had a productive discussion on several priority maritime and connectivity 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 issues related to land and irrigation infrastructure. These initiatives are important for strengthening West Bengal’s maritime ecosystem and supporting economic growth. We look forward to continued cooperation with the Government of India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for the development of the state with active support from Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal ji,” said Adhikari.

The meeting highlighted the Centre’s vision of using West Bengal’s strategic location, extensive river network and industrial base to position the state as a major maritime investment destination and growth driver for the country.

The meeting was attended by Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with the Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the Chief Secretary of the Government of West Bengal and other senior officials.

Highlighting the state’s growing maritime 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. Inland waterways cargo movement has also grown nearly five-fold over the past decade.

According to the minister, the proposed investments will improve logistics efficiency, reduce transportation costs, support exports and create a stronger ecosystem for industries that depend on maritime connectivity. He added that the integrated development of ports, waterways, logistics parks and maritime manufacturing facilities would help accelerate economic growth across West Bengal as well as the wider eastern and northeastern regions.