Budget 2026 Boosts Durgapur with East Coast Industrial Corridor Proposal
Kolkata: Durgapur, a city with a rich industrial heritage in West Bengal, stands to gain significantly from the Union Budget 2026-27 proposal to develop an integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor. This initiative, which includes a well-connected node at Durgapur, is part of the broader Purvodaya States program aimed at fostering economic growth in eastern India. The announcement has sparked optimism among local industrialists, who believe it will streamline logistics and reduce operational costs for businesses in the region.
Industrialists Welcome Enhanced Logistics and Connectivity
Leading figures in Durgapur's industrial sector have expressed enthusiasm for the proposed corridor. Lalit Beriwala, Director of Shyam Steel, highlighted that the corridor would enhance logistics in the area, addressing a critical need for industries that rely on raw materials from outside the state. He noted that approximately 70% of finished products from local manufacturers are exported out of West Bengal, making improved transportation infrastructure essential for competitiveness.
Utsav Parekh, Director of Bengal Aerotropolis (BAPL), which operates the airport in Andal, shared the excitement, stating that BAPL is already collaborating with the state government on infrastructure development. Similarly, Abhijit Roy, MD & CEO of Berger Paints, emphasized the high impact the corridor would have on boosting logistics and connectivity for their new manufacturing plant in Panagarh, adjacent to Durgapur.
Durgapur's Steel Legacy and Future Prospects
Durgapur is renowned for its steel industry, home to the historic Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP), one of the oldest facilities operated by SAIL. Shambhu Jha, Secretary of the Asansol Chamber of Commerce, advocated for developing Durgapur to attract large-scale industries, with the corridor expected to significantly boost transportation efficiency. This move aligns with the city's industrial history and could position it as a key hub in the eastern economic landscape.
Political Reactions and Funding Concerns
However, the proposal has not been without controversy. Amit Mitra, Principal Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, alleged that the state government is already setting up three industrial corridors and criticized the Centre for announcing the Durgapur node without prior consultation. He called for central funding to support these state-led projects, highlighting tensions between state and central authorities over industrial development strategies.
This development comes amid broader discussions on the Budget 2026-27, including changes in income tax slabs and criticisms from figures like Mamata Banerjee, who labeled the budget as having "nothing for the common man" in Bengal. As Durgapur looks toward a potentially transformative future, the success of the East Coast Industrial Corridor will depend on collaborative efforts and adequate funding to realize its promised benefits for the region's economy.
