*Industry-Led Growth Pushes West Bengal to the Top Five Economy of the Country : State Transport Minister*
Turnaround Time at Indian Ports is Faster Than USA, Says World Bank’s LPI Report 2023
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: Industry sector of West Bengal has registered a growth of 7.3 per cent in 2024-25 significantly surpassing the national average of 6.2 per cent, making it the top five State economy in the country, said Mr Snehasis Chakraborty, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Transport, Government of West Bengal in Logis East 2025 organized by CII Eastern Region in Kolkata.
He added further as of January 2025, while the national unemployment rate stood at 7.93 per cent, West Bengal reported an impressively figure almost half with a lower rate of 4.14 per cent.
The Minister highlighted that West Bengal holds immense strategic importance as the gateway to North-Eastern India. He noted that the state has the third largest road network in the country, with 17 National Highways and 2 Asian Highways ensuring strong connectivity. He also pointed out that the Kolkata and Haldia ports serve as key maritime hubs and 16% of India’s National Waterways run through the state. Additionally, he mentioned that air connectivity is well-supported by international airports in Kolkata and Bagdogra, along with a greenfield airport at Andal.
Dr. H.K. Dwivedi, IAS (Retd.), Former Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal and Vice Chairman, WBHIDCO Limited advocated about the 1991 economic liberalization, introduction of GST and the emerging e-commerce has been the enabler of the sea changes of the national economy. He mentioned about the upcoming expressway from Varanasi to Kolkata which is designed to facilitate the freight traffic of the region as well as connecting the aspiring districts of the state.
He highlighted that the MSME credit lending rate has reached to ₹1.86 lakh crore this year, which further projects the thriving MSME sector in the State.
Mr Rathendra Raman, IRTS, Chairman, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata spoke about the improved efficiency in port operations, highlighting faster vessel turnaround times, the introduction of night navigation, and the use of floating cranes for container handling. Additionally, SMPK in collaboration with private players is coming up with new private ports.
He also referred to the port-linked express service between Haldia and Dankuni, as well as the development of a major gateway port in Balagar. Emphasizing West Bengal’s economic potential, he advocated for its transformation from a consumption-driven economy to a production hub, ultimately evolving into a strong export zone.
Mr Shantanu Verma, Chief – Procurement & Logistics, TATA Steel Limited talk about the dedicated freight corridor, Sagar mala project and PM Gati shakti for enabling the efficiency of logistics sector of the nation.
Mr Debashis Dutta, mentioned about OECD Supply Chain Resilience Review and outlined there is a clear connection between rising GDP per capita and the increasing share of trade in GDP. This reinforces a simple but powerful truth that trade creates opportunity and opportunity lifts people out of poverty.
Mr Ashutosh Jaiswal Director & CEO Century Infra Limited & Century Ports Limited embedded the presence of sustainability to the Logistic.
This two-day long conference cum exhibition and the B2B meetings are attended by hundreds of relevant stakeholders.