West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday, June 4, said the BJP government in the state was considering to carve out a separate shipping wing from the transport department and explore the development of minor ports on the lines of Gujarat and Odisha.
Adhikari held a meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal. While addressing mediapersons at the state secretariat, Adhikari said the state government was keen on strengthening maritime infrastructure and inland water transport.
Honoured to welcome Hon’ble Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways; Shri Sarbananda Sonowal Ji at Nabanna today.
We engaged in a highly productive discussion regarding key development initiatives and various ongoing issues related to the Port Trust in West Bengal.… pic.twitter.com/EUnPwMepZC— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) June 4, 2026
Highlighting that the transport and shipping departments were functioning together in the state, Adhikari noted that they are considering creating a separate shipping wing in the future.
“We are also examining the possibility of developing minor ports on the lines of states such as Gujarat and Odisha,” Adhikari said.
The Chief Minister ntoed that work on the proposed deep-sea port project would move ahead on land identified at Dadanpatrabar, which is around 10 km from Tajpur.
“Yesterday, I had a meeting with Karan Adani regarding the proposed deep-sea port project at Tajpur. Earlier, the government did not have the required land in its possession. Following the change in government, we are convinced that developing the port at Tajpur is no longer feasible. We have therefore proposed an alternative site. The government currently has 1,700 acres of land available, approximately 10 km beyond Tajpur, which could be considered for the new project,” Adhikari said.
Kolkata: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari says, “Yesterday, I had a meeting with Karan Adani regarding the proposed deep-sea port project at Tajpur. Earlier, the government did not have the required land in its possession. Following the change in government, we are convinced that… pic.twitter.com/kKLKeZbICS
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2026
Adhikari further announced a major boost to water-based urban transport. He said the state capital would become the 18th city in the country to be connected to the Water Metro network.
“Kolkata will now be linked to the water metro system. The project has already been implemented at 17 locations across the country, including Kerala. Kolkata will be the 18th city to join the Water Metro chain,” he said.
“The previous government did not actively participate in several key projects of the Central Government. As a result, we missed the opportunity to be part of the Sagarmala 1 programme. However, yesterday, the PM approved the Sagarmala 2 programme, and we have decided to join the scheme. We are preparing project proposals worth Rs 22,700 crore for implementation over the next five years. These projects will focus on coastal fishing infrastructure, island development, and other maritime initiatives. During yesterday’s review meeting, the proposal for an underground tunnel was also discussed. Additionally, 44 new jetties are planned to be constructed, and we received 41 NOCs today… Beach restoration projects for Sagar Island have also been sanctioned under the programme. We have begun planning to promote the Sagar Mela on an international scale and establish it as a globally recognised event,” he said.
Kolkata: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari says, “Kolkata will be connected through a Water Metro system, making it the 18th city in India to adopt this mode of transport. The previous government did not actively participate in several key projects of the Central Government. As a… pic.twitter.com/48mZLVroOd
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2026
He further pointed out that illegal activities were taking place in the Kolkata Port area due to lack of coordination between the CISF and the Kolkata Police.
“We have decided to hold a coordination meeting every month. All illegal activities will be stopped. In Kolkata, six Ganga ghats are being built. Beautification has already been completed at two of them,” he said.