Kolkata, 04 June (H.S.) : The West Bengal government has effectively decided not to proceed with the proposed deep-sea port project at Tajpur, instead announcing a revised plan to develop a new port at Dadanpatrabarh, located about 10 km away. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at Nabanna on Thursday.

Officials said the shift in location was necessitated due to the lack of adequate land availability at Tajpur, making the original deep-sea port proposal unfeasible. According to the state government, discussions had earlier been held with the Adani Group regarding the project, but the plan could not move forward due to land constraints. The new site at Dadanpatrabarh reportedly offers around 1,700 acres of government-owned land, making it a more viable alternative.

The state also informed that the revised proposal has been shared with the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and other relevant authorities. During the meeting, plans for the construction of 44 jetties were reviewed, of which clearance has already been granted for 41. The government indicated that implementation work is expected to begin soon.

Development initiatives linked to Gangasagar and the Kapil Muni Ashram were also discussed, with the state expressing confidence in receiving central support to upgrade the Gangasagar Mela into an event of international significance. Infrastructure work related to port connectivity and coastal protection in the Balagarh region was also proposed.

A parallel focus was placed on urban beautification and redevelopment projects in Kolkata, particularly along the city’s ghats. The government stated that renovation and beautification work has begun at several locations, including Baghbazar, Sovabazar, Ahiritola, Mallickghat, Babughat, Ramkrishnapur Ghat, and Banda Ghat. Two ghats have already been completed, while the remaining projects are expected to be finished before Durga Puja.

The meeting also addressed issues related to land encroachment and rehabilitation of residents living in unsafe buildings in the city. The responsibility has been assigned to municipal authorities, while the port authority may assist in constructing housing for economically weaker sections if land is provided.

In addition, the state announced plans to strengthen coordination among multiple agencies—including the police, port authorities, civic bodies, the Border Security Force, customs department, and intelligence agencies—to curb illegal activities and syndicate operations at the Kolkata Port. The government also indicated that the formation of a separate shipping department is under consideration to ensure more efficient management of maritime and port-related projects.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh