Durgapur pins hopes on industry corridor proposal | Kolkata News

Kolkata: Durgapur, the city which has a long industrial history, may benefit from the Budget proposal for development of an integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor, with a well-connected node at the city. This will be part of the Purvodaya States initiative.Leading industrialists who have a presence in the steel city feel that it will help reduce costs for industries here. Director of Shyam Steel, Lalit Beriwala, said it would enhance logistics in the area. Durgapur is known for the steel industry. SAIL also has one of its oldest plants here, Durgapur Steel Plant (DSP).

Beriwala said most of the units here get raw material from outside. He added that almost 70% of the finished products of most of the manufacturers here go out of the state, so an industrial corridor would be beneficial.Director of Bengal Aerotropolis (BAPL), the airport in Andal, Utsav Parekh, said that all in BAPL are excited about this proposal. “We are already working with the state for development of infrastructure here,” he added.Abhijit Roy, MD & CEO, Berger Paints, said the proposed industrial corridor will have a high impact in terms of boosting logistics and connectivity for the firm that is setting up its manufacturing plant in Panagarh, adjoining Durgapur. Shambhu Jha, secretary of Asansol Chamber of Commerce, said Durgapur should be developed for large industries. The corridor will boost transportation. Principal chief advisor to CM, Amit Mitra, alleged that the state is setting up three industrial corridors. “The Centre should fund these projects. Instead, they have announced one at Durgapur without any talks with the state.”