Kolkata: West Bengal has a major infrastructure pipeline that could support the state’s next phase of industrial growth. According to a PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry report, 82 ongoing central-sector infrastructure projects had a revised cost of around ₹1.47 lakh crore as of April 2026.
The projects cover railways, roads, power, ports, inland waterways, coal, oil and gas, steel, aviation and telecommunications. The report says the bigger opportunity is to use this infrastructure to attract manufacturing investment, strengthen supply chains and boost exports.
Railways Lead Infrastructure Investment
Railways account for the largest share of the pipeline, with 16 projects worth around ₹60,772 crore. Roads and highways account for 24 projects worth nearly ₹15,963 crore, while three power-generation projects are estimated at around ₹21,645 crore.
Better transport and logistics connectivity could help industries move raw materials and finished products more efficiently.
Focus on Manufacturing Clusters
The PHDCCI report recommends moving beyond individual industrial projects and developing integrated manufacturing clusters.
West Bengal’s existing engineering base in Howrah, Durgapur, Kharagpur and Kalyani could support sectors such as precision components, railway equipment, industrial machinery, automotive components, aerospace and defence manufacturing.
Such clusters could also help MSMEs upgrade their technology and connect with larger domestic and global supply chains.
Electronics Offers Another Opportunity
The report also identifies electronics and Electronics System Design and Manufacturing as a potential growth area.
The state could use Kolkata’s technical institutions, existing electronics clusters at Naihati and Falta, ports and access to eastern and northeastern markets to develop a larger electronics ecosystem.
The proposed focus includes electronics components, assembly, embedded systems, design, research and development, as well as repair and refurbishment.
Industrial Land a Key Challenge
The report highlights industrial land availability as an important issue for attracting investors. It proposes a rolling 5,000–10,000-acre industrial land pipeline with legally clear and infrastructure-ready parcels.
The proposed land bank would include space for large anchor industries as well as MSMEs and supporting units.
Having ready land with roads, power, water and logistics facilities could make it easier for companies to start projects without long delays.
Maritime Sector Can Leverage Geography
West Bengal’s access to the Bay of Bengal and the Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system also creates opportunities in shipbuilding, ship repair and inland vessel manufacturing.
The report identifies potential in barges, passenger ferries, river vessels, ship repair and green-vessel technologies. The state’s connectivity with eastern and northeastern markets could further support these industries.
Infrastructure to Industrialisation
West Bengal’s GSDP rose from ₹6.10 lakh crore in FY2015-16 to ₹9.42 lakh crore in FY2024-25. However, the report suggests that the state can deepen its industrial base by better connecting infrastructure with manufacturing, skills, technology and exports.
The ₹1.47 lakh crore infrastructure pipeline could therefore provide the foundation for a wider industrial push. The key will be turning better connectivity and infrastructure into investment-ready industrial clusters that generate jobs, strengthen MSMEs and expand West Bengal’s presence in domestic and global markets.
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