Mumbai, Aug. 29 -- West Bengal has secured Rs 35 billion (Rs 35 bn) of defence and shipbuilding projects in what the state government described as a major step to revive industrial activity and boost employment. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari presented the projects at a Bhumi Pujan event and urged industry, builders and micro, small and medium enterprises to view Bengal as a prime investment destination.
He said the state was working with the central government to attract investment and tackle unemployment and that the administration had prioritised national security and border infrastructure since taking office. He noted that it had been 106 days since the new government assumed office and that about 90 per cent of land required by the Border Security Force along the frontier had been handed over to facilitate fencing and security measures.
The five projects carry a combined investment of around Rs 35 bn and are expected to generate employment while creating opportunities for ancillary industries and MSMEs. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers will expand with more than Rs 25 billion (Rs 25 bn) to develop a major shipbuilding facility at Raichak capable of constructing warships up to 200 metres long and commercial vessels of up to 60,000 tonnes deadweight, alongside upgrades at Timber Pond and Damodar sites.
Two projects by YIL at Ishapore, involving more than Rs seven point five billion (Rs 7.5 bn), are intended to strengthen indigenous production of critical defence components, including heavy forgings and specialised metal products. The defence minister welcomed the initiatives as aligning with national self-reliance and domestic manufacturing goals and highlighted the opportunity for India to capitalise on rising global demand for shipbuilding.
Officials said the state government would provide land support and assistance for major defence manufacturers and had opened discussions on investment and recruitment in the sector. The projects were framed as an important step towards restoring West Bengal's industrial prominence and integrating the state into national development priorities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.