New Delhi, Sept. 28 -- For years, the economic debate in West Bengal has returned to the same prescription: better roads, stronger ports, reliable power, industrial parks and improved logistics. Infrastructure undoubtedly matters, but the more important issue is what happens after the infrastructure is built. A road creates economic value when it carries goods to a market, a port becomes transformative when it supports production and exports, and an industrial park matters when factories actually begin operating there. The real challenge for West Bengal is therefore to convert infrastructure and other economic assets into productive investment, employment and sustained growth.

This question has acquired greater relevance with the emergen...