The West Bengal government has taken a significant step towards realizing its ambitious Tajpur deep sea port project by issuing a fresh global tender, formally known as a Request for Proposal (RFP). This move effectively resets the bidding process for the massive infrastructure undertaking, valued at over Rs 25,000 crore.
Key Details of the New Tender
The state's latest offer is substantial. It promises the selected operator 1,000 acres of freehold land for developing the port and associated industrial facilities. The project will be executed on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model, providing flexibility in design and tariff structures. The concession period for the operator is set for a lengthy 99 years.
To qualify, a bidder must demonstrate considerable experience, having completed a port project worth at least Rs 8,000 crore. The state has appointed BlackBricks as the transaction adviser for the project, leveraging its maritime consultancy expertise, which includes work for states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
Timeline and Project Scope
The tender process has a clear schedule. A pre-bid meeting is slated for January 14, 2026, with bid submissions opening on February 1, 2026. The bids will be officially opened on March 3, 2026. The state government will act as a facilitator and has committed to supporting the developer in establishing crucial rail and road linkages to the port site.
Located about 170 km from Kolkata and 5 km off National Highway 116, the greenfield port at Tajpur will boast a draft of over 12 meters. Its strategic position will provide easy access to north Bengal and the upcoming Dankuni freight corridor. The project is expected to generate direct employment for 25,000 people, with many more indirect opportunities.
Background and Industry Speculation
This new tender follows the scrapping of an earlier process that began in 2021. In that round, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) emerged as the winning bidder and even received a provisional Letter of Intent to Award (LOIA) in October 2022. However, the state cabinet decided earlier this year to start afresh, ending its four-year association with the Adani Group for this specific project. The other participant in the initial bidding was JSW Infrastructure.
The fresh RFP comes ahead of a proposed industry conclave scheduled for December 18 and 19 in Kolkata. Industry circles are rife with speculation that the Adani Group may participate again, especially after group chairman Gautam Adani's meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in August. The terms of reference for the new tender have largely remained unchanged from the previous version.
The development of the Tajpur deep sea port is seen as a cornerstone for enhancing maritime trade and industrial growth in West Bengal, positioning the state as a key logistics hub on the eastern coast of India.
