Turbulent Times for West Bengal's Industrial Push
Tata Group's Chairman, Ratan Tata, has threatened to relocate the Rs 1,500 crore Nano small-car project from West Bengal, amidst violent protests regarding farmland acquisition. This decision amplifies the state's industrialization anxieties, especially with several significant infrastructural projects already stalled over land disputes. Last week, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee announced the halt of Salim Group's Barasat-Raichak Expressway, underlining new policies requiring owner consent for land acquisitions.
Barasat-Raichak Expressway- Chief Minister's announcement brings the status of the Salim Group's proposed Expressway into question. This development was to be executed in collaboration with the state government through a special purpose vehicle, New Kolkata International Development Pvt Ltd. The company's prospective ventures in the state, equivalent to nearly Rs 20,000 crore over five years, include the ambitious Nandigram project, shifted after opposition.
DLF Township Project- The Rs 33,000 crore DLF Township, touted as a mega real estate project in Hooghly district, hangs in the balance. Planned to occupy 4,840 acres, with both residential and industrial components, this partnership under risk due to land acquisition protests also involves the Kolkata Municipal Development Authority.
Baruipur and Kalyani Townships- Further real estate ventures, including Baruipur Township and Kalyani Township, have faced opposition over land acquisition. The KMDA had already acquired 500 acres for Baruipur project. There are also plans for industrial development in Uluberia and an industrial park in Sankrail, both experiencing uncertainty.
IT hubs in Kalyani, Durgapur, and Haldia are also under pressure. With only 1% of West Bengal being barren land, the Left Front government's efforts to secure 100,000 acres for industrial projects are challenged by public resistance, casting a shadow on West Bengal's re-industrialization plans.