Bengal Cabinet Approves Land Allocation for Steel Units and Other Industrial Projects

The West Bengal cabinet has approved the transfer of 2,515 acres of land to 10 companies for setting up steel manufacturing units across three industrial parks — Raghunathpur, Durgapur, and Panagarh. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

According to the chief minister, these units are expected to bring in investments worth ₹25,000 crore. The projects are estimated to generate around 70,000 direct and indirect jobs. The decision is part of the state government’s focus on expanding the industrial sector through targeted land allocation.

The cabinet also cleared a separate proposal to allot plots to 43 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across 15 industrial estates in different parts of the state. Mamata Banerjee noted that Bengal has about 90 lakh SME units, providing work to 1.4 crore people. She said the government continues to support this sector due to its employment potential and presence across the state.

In another decision, the cabinet approved handing over land in 11 districts to private developers for the construction of large markets or shopping malls. These projects will follow a model where two floors in each facility will be reserved for self-help groups (SHGs) to sell products and showcase their work. The government will provide the land while private entities will be responsible for construction and management.

The districts where land has already been identified for these projects include Purulia, Darjeeling, Bankura, Cooch Behar, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Murshidabad, West Midnapore, and North Dinajpur. In the remaining 12 districts, the process of identifying suitable land is in progress.

The aim is to create market access for SHGs, especially those involved in rural crafts, food processing, and handmade goods. By reserving dedicated space in commercial centres, the state plans to improve linkages between producers and consumers.

Additionally, the cabinet approved the setting up of an international information technology, entertainment, and cultural park in New Town. The project will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model and will cover 15 acres. The facility is expected to house companies involved in digital services, media, and content development.

The park will also include cultural spaces, adding a mixed-use dimension to the project. The chief minister said that the park is part of efforts to attract investment in knowledge-based industries and diversify economic activity in the region.