Suvendu's first budget as CM pins growth bet on semiconductors, defence hubs, deep‑sea port

New Delhi: In its first budget Suvendu government rolled out an industry-first growth strategy on Monday that prioritises large infrastructure projects, manufacturing investments and business‑friendly reform

Bengal targets manufacturing, logistics hub status

Presenting the budget in the state Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta framed a roadmap to position West Bengal as the manufacturing, logistics and investment gateway for eastern India. The package is built around major greenfield projects, incentives for private parks, streamlined approvals and a push to improve the ease of doing business.

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Semiconductor, defence and private investment incentives

The government named the Panagarh‑Durgapur belt as the proposed site for a semiconductor manufacturing unit and earmarked defence manufacturing hubs at Gangajalghati (Bankura) and Sainthia (Birbhum). Officials also proposed incentives for private industrial parks and said a Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy will be drawn to attract multinational corporations and high‑value service operations.

Startups, talent and venture funding

To spur entrepreneurship, the budget promises a startup policy within three months backed by a Rs 40 crore incubation fund and a Rs 60 crore venture capital fund. A Rs 50 crore Chief Minister’s Science and Technology Talent Attraction Fund has been proposed to support research, innovation and deep‑tech ventures. The Banglar Udyam Credit Card scheme gets Rs 200 crore to provide up to Rs 10 lakh each to be about two lakh young entrepreneurs.

To spur entrepreneurship, the budget promises a startup policy within three months backed by a Rs 40 crore incubation fund and a Rs 60 crore venture capital fund. A Rs 50 crore Chief Minister’s Science and Technology Talent Attraction Fund has been proposed to support research, innovation and deep‑tech ventures. The Banglar Udyam Credit Card scheme gets Rs 200 crore to provide up to Rs 10 lakh each to be about two lakh young entrepreneurs.

Transport and maritime infrastructure push

Infrastructure spending is central to the plan. The government proposed a multimodal logistics hub at Dankuni tied to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, and support for the Dankuni‑Surat Freight Corridor to strengthen cargo connectivity. A deep‑sea port at Dadanpatrabarh (Purba Medinipur) will be developed via public‑private partnership with integrated cargo and industrial facilities. The budget also sets aside Rs 100 crore for development of minor ports, cargo terminals, passenger jetties and connectivity projects.

New airport and industrial land moves

For aviation, the state plans to identify 1,000–1,500 acres near Kalyani for a greenfield airport to complement Kolkata’s facilities and boost regional connectivity. The government also proposed creating an industrial land bank by recovering unused industrial land from public sector entities to free up space for investors.

Power and renewables measures

The budget flagged a 1,600 MW greenfield thermal power project at Salbani backed by an estimated Rs 16,000 crore of private investment and another 2x800 MW thermal project. It also proposes transmission expansion and rollout of EV charging stations across the state. To lower industrial power costs, an open‑access framework for renewable energy procurement has been proposed.

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Ease‑of‑doing‑business and anti‑extortion reforms

On governance reform, projects with investments of Rs 100 crore or more will be routed through a state‑level single‑window clearance mechanism. The government promised a comprehensive review of approvals, inspections and compliance requirements. Crucially, it proposed legislation to protect businesses from extortion and informal “syndicate” practices, an element the finance ministry said would bolster investor confidence.

Regulatory changes to unlock large deals

Officials said the Urban Land Ceiling Act will be re‑examined to remove a major obstacle to large‑scale investments. The state also signalled a 24x7 economy framework to permit round‑the‑clock operations of commercial establishments in major urban centres.

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