West Bengal Plans New Deep-Sea Port at Dadanpatrabar, Shelves Tajpur Proposal

Speaking after a meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal in Kolkata, Adhikari said the State has around 1,700 acres of government land available at Dadanpatrabar, located about 10 km from Tajpur, making it a more suitable location for the project. He added that additional land could be acquired if required and that the State is open to a revenue-sharing model with the Centre for the development of the port.     The announcement comes after the earlier Tajpur deep-sea port project lost momentum. In October 2022, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) had received a provisional Letter of Intent after emerging as the lowest bidder for the project. However, the previous State government later decided to issue a fresh tender, effectively ending the company’s association with the project. According to Adhikari, APSEZ has now exited the proposal.      The Chief Minister also announced that Kolkata will be integrated into the Water Metro network, becoming the 18th city in India to adopt the water-based urban transport system.

During the meeting, Sonowal and Adhikari reviewed a proposed maritime investment pipeline worth ₹19,209 crore for West Bengal through 2031. The planned investments cover ports, inland waterways, shipbuilding, logistics infrastructure and port-led industrial development. The projects are expected to generate more than 62,500 direct and indirect employment opportunities and strengthen the position of Kolkata and Haldia as major maritime gateways in eastern India.      Sonowal said the investment roadmap aims to transform West Bengal into a leading maritime and logistics hub, supporting trade, industry and tourism growth in the region.