State Focus
WEST BENGAL
IWT Gateway to the
Hinterland
The state of West Bengal is an excellent example of untapped potential and gross neglect of ports, both on the Bay of Bengal and inland riverine ports along the Hoogly and its tributaries.
Time was when the Kolkata Port was a focal point of sea borne trade in India in the 19th Century. Thanks to the East India Co. this port was an entry point for all their cargo destined for the northern hinterland, and Eastern and Southern regions of India. Inspite of having a major port, substantial coastline, and a river system that runs deep into the hinterland this State still doesn't have a Maritime Board. While the Central Government and the Shipping Ministry should have launched major intiatives to develop this state's maritime transport to its full potential a long time ago, part of
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the responsibility and onus also lies on the State government. The Finance Minister P Chidambaram has announced a Greenfield port project at Sagar Island in the Budget 2013. However feasibility of this project needs to be looked into considering the fact that the proposed deep-draught port project has been put on hold for an indefinite period owing to the current financial situation of Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) and the adverse technical feasibility reports on the proposed port submitted by RITES.
SeaPorts BUSINESS