Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed a comprehensive maritime development roadmap worth ₹19,209 crore for West Bengal during a meeting held in Kolkata with Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.
The discussions focused on accelerating investments in ports, inland waterways, logistics infrastructure, shipbuilding, coastal development, and river tourism projects aimed at strengthening West Bengal’s position as a key maritime gateway in eastern India.
According to officials, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is implementing and planning more than 70 projects across the state under various maritime development initiatives. These projects are intended to improve cargo movement, boost trade connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency, and create new economic opportunities across the region.
Of the total proposed investment, projects worth around ₹5,000 crore have already been completed, while several others are under various stages of execution and planning. The roadmap covers a broad spectrum of infrastructure initiatives, including port modernisation, multimodal logistics facilities, inland water transport infrastructure, ferry services, and tourism-related developments.
A major area of focus is the strengthening of Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata, one of India’s oldest and most strategically important riverine ports. Efforts are underway to improve operational efficiency, enhance cargo-handling capacity, and develop supporting logistics infrastructure to increase the port’s competitiveness.
The meeting also reviewed progress on inland waterways development, particularly along National Waterway-1, which forms a crucial part of India’s strategy to promote sustainable and cost-effective cargo transportation. Officials highlighted the growing importance of waterways in reducing logistics costs and improving freight connectivity.
River cruise tourism, passenger ferry services, and waterfront development projects were also discussed as part of broader efforts to unlock the economic and tourism potential of the state’s extensive river network.
Officials noted that West Bengal’s strategic location provides significant opportunities to strengthen trade linkages with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Northeastern states, making the region an important hub for regional and international commerce.
The proposed investments are expected to generate employment opportunities, attract private sector participation, support industrial growth, and improve connectivity across the state’s maritime ecosystem.
The maritime development programme aligns with the government’s long-term vision of expanding port-led development, modernising logistics infrastructure, increasing inland waterway utilisation, and enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness.
Industry observers believe the ₹19,209 crore investment pipeline could play a transformative role in strengthening West Bengal’s maritime infrastructure while contributing to economic growth, trade expansion, and regional connectivity in eastern India.