Bengal CM hints at Singur industrial revival, unveils new investment policy
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari says the government is in talks with Ashok Leyland to bring industry back to the Hooghly district town.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday indicated that the state is holding preliminary discussions with automobile manufacturer Ashok Leyland regarding potential investment in Singur. Speaking at the launch of the West Bengal Investment Promotion Policy 2026 in New Town, Kolkata, Adhikari suggested the government aims to bring industrial activity back to the Hooghly district town, which saw the exit of the Tata Nano project in 2008.
According to reports from Telegraph India, Times Now, and WION, the Chief Minister stated that the government will purchase land itself rather than using police for forcible acquisition. He noted that talks are ongoing with HUDCO, NABARD, and the ADB to secure funds for land purchases. Adhikari also warned that anyone attempting to blockade factories would face imprisonment, promising action within 15 minutes of a complaint.
The new investment policy aims to attract various sectors, including MSMEs and large manufacturing units. Under the framework, eligible industrial units may receive financial aid covering as much as 120 per cent of their expenditure on plant and machinery, subject to specific conditions. The policy also includes incentives for businesses that employ women and focuses on environmentally sustainable industrialisation.
Adhikari mentioned that the government has already provided land to 33 business groups, including Reliance, Vedanta Group, and Amul, over the last six months. He estimated that the state could facilitate approximately Rs 1 lakh crore in investments in the coming months. However, he noted that the state cannot currently clear industrial incentive dues totalling Rs 50,000 crore until the government becomes financially surplus.