West Bengal is set for a major expansion in defence manufacturing and shipbuilding, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh laying the foundation stones for five new projects at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The projects, involving an investment of around Rs 3,400 crore, are aimed at strengthening warship-building capabilities while creating new opportunities for employment and ancillary industries.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the state was witnessing a change in its industrial environment.
“There is a new fragrance in the air of Bengal. This is not merely a political change, but a change towards development,” he said.
The Defence Minister said Bengal had historically played an important role in India’s social and cultural awakening and could now become part of a new industrial revival.
“If the intention is honest, no one can stop development,” Singh said, while praising the state government for promoting industrial growth.
According to him, the impact of the new projects would extend beyond defence production, with employment generation and the growth of supporting industries expected to follow.
Boost to Warship-Building Capacity
The projects at GRSE are expected to expand the shipbuilder’s infrastructure and strengthen its ability to undertake future warship construction and related work.
Singh also highlighted India’s growing ambitions in the global shipbuilding sector, saying the country has the potential to emerge as a major international shipbuilding hub.
The expansion is expected to create opportunities for MSMEs and other ancillary industries associated with shipbuilding and defence manufacturing.
‘Auspicious Day for Bengal’
West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari described the foundation-laying ceremony as an important day for the state.
“The foundation-laying of these five projects is an auspicious day for West Bengal,” he said.
Adhikari said the projects would create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled workers.
He put the total investment at around Rs 3,400 crore, adding that the state could attract further investments in the future.
The Chief Minister also contrasted the current administration's approach with that of the previous government, alleging that the earlier regime was reluctant to cooperate with the Centre.
“The previous government was unwilling to work together with the Central government. The new government has ended that negativity,” Adhikari said.
He also highlighted steps taken by the state on border security, claiming that around 90 per cent of the land required by the BSF had been provided.
Adhikari further mentioned a 20 per cent reservation for Agniveers and announced plans to form an ‘Arjun Bahini’ for disaster response from September.
The five projects are being projected as part of a broader effort to strengthen India's domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
With expanded shipbuilding infrastructure, increased investment and the potential growth of ancillary industries, the projects are expected to give a fresh push to West Bengal's role in India's defence and industrial sector.
