West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced the relocation of the state’s new deep-sea port project from Tajpur to Dadanpatrabar in the coastal East Midnapore district, just 10 kilometers away. The decision to shift the project was due to the unavailability of sufficient land at Tajpur, as confirmed by the Chief Minister during a media interaction.
He mentioned that the required 1,700 acres of vested land for the project are present at Dadanpatrabar, making it a more feasible location. The previous government’s efforts to engage a national industry group for the project at Tajpur were unsuccessful due to the lack of adequate land, as per the Chief Minister’s statement. Additionally, discussions with the Union Shipping Ministry led to the conclusion that the deep-sea port project was not viable at Tajpur.
The Chief Minister also revealed plans for a water metro service to commence in Kolkata soon, making it the 18th city to join the network. Furthermore, West Bengal is set to connect to the Sagarmala project, a significant initiative by the Central Government aimed at enhancing the maritime sector and fostering port-led economic growth. A comprehensive proposal of Rs 22,700 crore for five years will encompass various development plans, including port communication systems and fishing infrastructure in coastal areas.
He further announced the construction of 44 new jetties, with approvals already in place for 41 of them. The Union Government has agreed to assist in the development of Kapil Muni’s Ashram and Sagar Island, with plans to elevate the Gangasagar Mela to an international-level fair. Additionally, initiatives for port connectivity and erosion-prevention infrastructure in Balagarh are set to commence.
