Signalling a potential revival of one of West Bengal’s most politically significant industrial sites, the state’s new Industry and Commerce Minister Tapas Roy on Wednesday hinted at the possible return of the Tata Group to Singur, as the newly formed BJP government moves swiftly to boost industrial growth in the state.
“If the Tatas wish to set up a factory in Singur, they are certainly free to do so,” Roy said shortly after assuming office, adding that the government would encourage investments not only in automobile manufacturing but across multiple sectors in which the conglomerate operates.
Taking charge on Wednesday, Roy held a meeting with senior officials and made it clear that attracting investors and transforming West Bengal into an industry-friendly destination is a top priority for the government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
On his first day in office, the minister issued key directives to officials, seeking a detailed assessment of the state’s industrial landscape. He asked for a comprehensive list of industrialists and business groups that have left West Bengal, along with the reasons behind their departure. According to government sources, around 6,688 investors have exited the state in recent years, posing a significant challenge for the new administration.
Roy also ordered a review of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the Bengal Global Business Summit under the previous Trinamool Congress government. Officials have been directed to report on whether these agreements translated into actual projects or remained largely unimplemented.
Another key focus area is rebuilding ties between the state’s Industry Department and the Tata Group. Roy stated that he is willing to personally engage with Tata officials if necessary to restore confidence and encourage fresh investments.
Launching a sharp attack on the previous regime led by Mamata Banerjee, Roy alleged that both industry and agriculture had stagnated over the past 15 years. He criticised investment summits such as BGBS, calling them largely symbolic and ineffective, and said future summits would prioritise tangible outcomes.
To address long-standing hurdles in industrial expansion, the minister announced that a transparent land acquisition policy would be formulated within the government’s first 100 days.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit West Bengal on June 13, where he will inaugurate a modern facility at Sankrail Industrial Park. The plant, set up by Amul with an investment of Rs 650 crore, is being seen as a major boost to the state’s industrial revival efforts.
Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, Roy said the entry of a major player like Amul would send a strong positive signal to other investors and help restore confidence in West Bengal’s industrial potential.
The developments underscore the BJP government’s intent to rapidly reposition the state as a key industrial hub following the recent change in power.
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