State approves New Industrial Park in Mangalpur, Raniganj
The Statesman | 17 July 2025
A new industrial park is set to be developed on 205 acres of land in Mangalpur Mouza, Raniganj, in the West Burdwan district, following approval from the Bengal state cabinet. The decision has been welcomed by various chambers of commerce and industry bodies.
The approval was granted during a recent cabinet meeting of the West Bengal government, chaired by chief minister Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.
The Asansol–Raniganj–Durgapur region is the oldest and one of the largest industrial belts in both the state and the country. Its strong connectivity via air, rail, and highways, along with abundant water resources, affordable and skilled labour, and reserves of underground coal and gas, make it a highly advantageous location for industrial development.
The region already hosts major industries, including thermal power plants operated by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), steel plants by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in Durgapur and Burnpur, the Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW), as well as coal mines operated by Eastern Coalfields Limited. Additionally, it includes CBM (coal bed methane) production units of GEECL and Essar Oil and Gas, and several fertiliser and cement factories.
“We, the MSME sector, demand fair and reasonable land rates, especially for micro and small industries. High land costs significantly impact project sustainability. There’s also a need for quicker application processing and interdepartmental coordination for timely approvals. The region has immense investment potential in mineral-based industries, food processing, horticulture, skill-based sectors, IT, and other service industries,” said Sandeep Bhalotia, national vice president of the Indian Council of Small Industries.
Sources indicate that several private companies have expressed interest in acquiring land in Raniganj to set up factories. The 205 acres in Mangalpur Mouza currently belongs to the state land and land reforms department and will be transferred to the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC) for the development of the new industrial park.