KOLKATA: The Central Government has proposed a massive maritime investment programme worth ₹19,209 crore for West Bengal, aiming to transform the state into a major maritime, logistics and shipbuilding hub by 2031. The ambitious roadmap was discussed during a meeting in Kolkata between Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The initiative is expected to generate more than 62,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities while strengthening the state’s role in India’s maritime economy.
The proposed investment plan forms part of the Centre’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, a long-term strategy focused on expanding port infrastructure, improving inland waterways, boosting logistics efficiency and promoting industrial growth linked to maritime activities. During the discussions, both leaders reviewed a wide range of projects aimed at accelerating economic development and enhancing connectivity across the state.
According to the roadmap, major investments will be directed towards the development of the Balagarh Multimodal Logistics Hub, expansion and mechanisation of facilities at Kolkata and Haldia docks, strengthening inland waterways infrastructure and establishing advanced shipbuilding and ship repair facilities. The programme also includes plans for cruise tourism infrastructure, riverfront redevelopment projects and the creation of port-led industrial clusters.
Officials believe these projects will significantly improve cargo movement, reduce logistics costs and attract fresh private-sector investment into West Bengal. The government expects the maritime sector to emerge as a key growth engine for the state’s economy, creating opportunities in transportation, manufacturing, trade and tourism.
During the meeting, Sonowal highlighted the strategic importance of West Bengal in India’s maritime future. He emphasized that the state’s geographical location, extensive river network and access to eastern and northeastern markets make it a natural gateway for domestic and international trade. The minister said the planned investments would help transform Kolkata and Haldia into premier maritime centres capable of driving economic growth across the region.
The discussions also focused on enhancing inland water transport, which has gained increasing importance in recent years as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly mode of cargo movement. Strengthening waterways infrastructure is expected to improve connectivity between ports and industrial centres while reducing pressure on road and rail networks.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari welcomed continued cooperation between the Centre and the state on maritime development projects. He stressed the need for support in areas such as dredging, riverfront development, waterways expansion and transport connectivity. The Chief Minister also sought assistance for priority projects that could further strengthen economic activity and trade within the state.
Several major infrastructure initiatives were discussed during the meeting, including Sagarmala 2.0 projects, a proposed tunnel across the Hooghly River, development of additional jetty infrastructure, dredging of National Waterway-1 and measures to protect the Hooghly embankment. Land-related and irrigation infrastructure issues linked to maritime development were also reviewed.
The Centre highlighted the significant progress already achieved in the state’s maritime sector over the past decade. 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. Inland waterways cargo movement has also witnessed nearly five-fold growth during the same period, reflecting rising utilisation of river transport networks.
Experts believe the proposed investments could further strengthen West Bengal’s position as a key gateway for trade with neighbouring countries and markets in Southeast Asia. Improved port infrastructure and logistics facilities are expected to boost exports, encourage industrial expansion and attract new investments into sectors dependent on efficient maritime connectivity.
The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, senior ministry officials, the Chief Secretary of West Bengal and other top government representatives. The discussions reflected a shared commitment to leveraging the state’s maritime potential and accelerating infrastructure-led growth.
With a proposed investment pipeline exceeding ₹19,000 crore and thousands of jobs expected to be created over the coming years, the initiative marks one of the most significant maritime development plans for West Bengal. If implemented successfully, the programme could reshape the state’s economic landscape and establish it as a leading maritime and logistics hub in eastern India.
