Sonowal discusses Rs 19,209 cr investment plan with Suvendu to boost Bengal maritime sector

Business To Business, Kolkata, 4^th June, 2026:   Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday met Suvendu Adhikari and discussed a proposed investment plan of ₹19,209 crore aimed at transforming West Bengal into a major maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding hub for eastern India by 2031.
Key highlights of the proposal
According to the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways:

• Total proposed investment: ₹19,209 crore
• Target year: 2031
• Expected employment generation: More than 62,500 direct and indirect jobs
• Focus sectors:
  • Ports
  • Inland waterways
  • Shipbuilding and ship repair
  • Logistics infrastructure
  • Port-led industrialisation

• Cargo-handling capacity at ports.
• Inland water transport networks along major rivers.
• Maritime industrial clusters.
• Logistics and warehousing infrastructure.
• Shipbuilding and related manufacturing activities.

• Boost regional trade and exports.
• Improve connectivity with South and Southeast Asian markets.
• Attract private investment.
• Support industrial growth in coastal districts.
• Create large-scale employment opportunities.

• Developing additional port infrastructure.
• Exploring minor ports on the lines of Gujarat and Odisha.
• Strengthening inland waterways.
• Considering a separate shipping wing within the state administration.