Kolkata, 22 February (H.S.): Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly is set to make a significant mark in the industrial sector with his ambitious steel plant project in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district. The much-anticipated project, which is being developed in partnership with TMT bar manufacturer Captain Steel, is expected to become operational in the next 18-20 months.

Ganguly, who has transitioned from cricket to business with notable ventures, emphasized that large-scale industrial projects take time due to multiple regulatory approvals. People expect it to be ready in just two months, but that’s not how it works. Several clearances, including environmental and government approvals, are necessary, he said at a recent event.

The ₹2,500 crore steel plant, with a production capacity of 0.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), is being set up in Garbeta, about 26 km from Salboni, where the project was originally planned. The acquisition process for 350 acres of land is currently underway. Once completed, this facility will be the third and largest plant under Ganguly’s venture, boosting the company’s total production capacity to 1.3 million tonnes.

The steel project was first announced during Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Spain in 2023, where Ganguly joined her to promote investments in West Bengal. At the 2025 Global Investment Summit, Banerjee playfully acknowledged Ganguly’s transformation from a cricketing legend to an emerging industrialist.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh