West Bengal to Unveil New Industrial Policy by August, Targets East to Lead India’s Manufacturing Growth
Buddhadeb Misra/ 18th July 2026
Kolkata, July 18, 2026: West Bengal is set to unveil a new industrial policy by August 2026, aimed at transforming the State into one of India’s leading manufacturing and investment destinations. The announcement was made by Shri Tapas Roy, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Departments of Industry, Commerce and Enterprises, Public Enterprise and Industrial Reconstruction, and Non-Conventional and Renewable Energy Sources, Government of West Bengal, during the 13th CII Manufacturing Conclave East held in Kolkata.
Addressing industry leaders, policymakers, and business stakeholders, the Minister said the State Government is preparing a comprehensive roadmap to position West Bengal as a premier industrial hub by 2027, backed by investor-friendly reforms, transparent governance, and a modern industrial ecosystem.
“The Government of West Bengal is committed to creating an industry-friendly ecosystem and is working on a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate industrial growth across the State. Our objective is to position West Bengal as a leading industrial destination by 2027 through a transparent and modern industrial policy, supported by investor-centric reforms,” Shri Roy said.
New Industrial Policy to Focus on Ease of Doing Business
The proposed industrial policy is expected to include several major reforms designed to simplify investment and strengthen industrial infrastructure. Key highlights include:
- Streamlined Single-Window Clearance System
- Line-based approval mechanism
- GIS-enabled Industrial Land Bank
- Transparent incentive framework
- Cluster-based industrial development
- Improved logistics infrastructure
- Rationalised regulatory approvals
According to the Minister, the Government has already finalized the framework of the policy and expects to formally announce the next phase of West Bengal’s industrial roadmap in August 2026.
Startup Policy and Global Capability Centres in Focus
Shri Roy also announced that the State is actively developing a Global Capability Centre (GCC) ecosystem, while a dedicated Startup Policy is expected shortly.
To further improve the business climate, the Government is constituting an Expert Committee to simplify compliance procedures and strengthen the Ease of Doing Business framework.
“Our focus is not only on attracting investments but also on generating quality employment and ensuring inclusive economic growth. The Government stands firmly with industry and will continue to provide every possible support for investment and expansion,” he added.
India–UK Free Trade Agreement Opens New Opportunities
Highlighting international trade prospects, Mr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata, said East India is strategically positioned to benefit from the recently concluded India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
“A new industrial geography is emerging, and East India is well positioned to shape it. The India–UK FTA will simplify regulations, reduce business costs, and create stronger collaborations between businesses of both nations,” he noted.
GRSE to Invest ₹2,000 Crore in West Bengal
Providing a significant boost to the State’s manufacturing ambitions, Cmde P Hari (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd, announced that the defence PSU plans to invest approximately ₹2,000 crore in West Bengal over the coming years.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening ancillary industries, improving automation, creating dedicated skill boards, and aligning State and Central Government policies to make India fully self-reliant in defence manufacturing by 2047.
Defence Manufacturing Emerging as Major Opportunity
Maj Gen C S Mann, Additional Director General, Army Design Bureau, highlighted the growing opportunities under the Ministry of Defence’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.
He urged greater participation from startups and innovators from Eastern India in defence technology development, emphasizing that products must be designed to operate effectively under India’s diverse and challenging operational conditions.
Meanwhile, Rear Admiral V Ganapathy, Additional Director General (QA), Warship Production, Indian Navy, stressed the need for stronger MSME integration, certification systems, and skill development to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
East India Can Become India’s Manufacturing Powerhouse
Delivering the keynote address, Mr Kamal Bali, President & Managing Director, Volvo Group India, observed that the global economy is witnessing a historic shift from the West to the East.
He said manufacturing would be central to India’s ambition of becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, while partnerships and Free Trade Agreements would define the country’s next phase of industrial growth.
“The future lies beyond conventional manufacturing. Partnerships will define the next phase of industrial leadership, and East India must reimagine its role in this changing global landscape,” he said.
Manufacturing, MSMEs and Green Growth
Industry leaders also highlighted East India’s competitive advantages.
Mr Suresh Agarwal, Chairman of MSP Steel, emphasized the region’s abundant raw material resources and called for a stronger ecosystem for electric vehicles and affordable energy production.
Mr Vikash Lohia, Chairman of the CII Eastern Region Manufacturing Sub-Committee and Deputy Managing Director of Jupiter Wagons Ltd, said geopolitical changes have created an unprecedented opportunity for East India to emerge as a global manufacturing and export hub.
“As the Indian Ocean becomes increasingly central to global trade, East India has an opportunity to emerge as a key manufacturing and export hub. The time has come for the East to lead,” he remarked.
Adding to the discussion, Mr Anirban Banerjee, CEO of Eveready Industries Ltd, highlighted West Bengal’s strategic strengths in MSMEs, logistics, and port connectivity.
“Resilience is no longer just a response to challenges; it is a strategic capability,” he said.
Conclave Highlights
Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region, the 13th CII Manufacturing Conclave East was held on 18 July 2026 in Kolkata under the theme:
“Manufacturing the Next Frontier: Strategic Supply Chains, Smart Industrialisation & Global Competitiveness.”
The conclave featured focused discussions on:
- Global supply chain integration and logistics
- Defence manufacturing and the USD 26 billion opportunity
- Growth in traditional manufacturing sectors including textiles, leather, gems & jewellery, and handicrafts
News Mania Analysis
The announcements made at the CII Manufacturing Conclave indicate that West Bengal is preparing for one of its most significant industrial policy overhauls in recent years. With a new industrial policy, startup ecosystem, GCC strategy, simplified compliance mechanisms, and major investment commitments such as GRSE’s ₹2,000 crore expansion, the State is positioning itself to become a leading manufacturing destination in Eastern India. If implemented effectively, these reforms could significantly enhance investor confidence, create employment opportunities, and strengthen West Bengal’s role in India’s evolving industrial and export landscape.
