West Bengal must pursue self-reliance, CM says at industrial project launch

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari laid the foundation stone for a ₹6,000 crore phenol and acetone manufacturing plant at Haldia on Wednesday, using the occasion to advocate for West Bengal's economic independence.

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Adhikari stressed the need for the state to transition away from what he characterized as dependency on government doles toward sustainable self-reliance. The remarks underscore the administration's focus on industrial development as a pathway to economic growth and reduced fiscal burden.

The Haldia facility represents a significant investment in West Bengal's petrochemical sector, with phenol and acetone serving as key industrial raw materials used in production of resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and boost the state's manufacturing capacity.

Haldia, located in East Medinipur district, has emerged as a major industrial hub in West Bengal, hosting several refineries and chemical plants. The new venture adds to the region's strategic importance in India's petrochemical landscape and aligns with state government efforts to position West Bengal as an attractive destination for large-scale manufacturing investment.