West Bengal Urged to Compete for ₹3,030-Crore BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme as MP Calls for Immediate Action on Chemical Park
Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya Writes to the Chief Minister, Outlining Strategic Opportunity to Position West Bengal as a National Chemicals Hub
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
Kolkata | July 30, 2026: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Samik Bhattacharya has urged the West Bengal Government to move swiftly in securing one of the three proposed Chemical Parks under the Union Government’s newly approved BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme, describing it as a rare opportunity to accelerate industrial growth, attract private investment, and strengthen the state’s position in India’s chemicals sector.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister of West Bengal, the MP highlighted the Union Cabinet’s approval of the ₹3,030-crore BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme on 24 July 2026, under which three dedicated Chemical Parks will be established through a competitive Challenge Route mechanism. The proposal provides for a Central grant of up to ₹1,000 crore per park, subject to a minimum State contribution of ₹500 crore, along with the availability of at least 2,000 acres of contiguous, encumbrance-free land.
Opportunity to Build a National Chemicals Hub
In his communication, Bhattacharya stated that securing one of the proposed parks could transform West Bengal into a major national chemicals manufacturing hub.
According to the letter, the project could bring an estimated ₹1,500 crore or more in combined Centre-State infrastructure investment, even before accounting for subsequent private sector investment expected to follow.
The MP also emphasized that the proposed park could generate employment across construction, plant operations, logistics, and ancillary micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), while creating multiplier effects for sectors such as agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, and electronics.
Strategic Industrial Benefits
The letter argues that the proposed Chemical Park would provide long-term industrial infrastructure, including common facilities such as:
- Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP)
- Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDF)
- Utility infrastructure
- Pipeline connectivity
Such “plug-and-play” infrastructure, according to the MP, could attract anchor investors for decades while strengthening West Bengal’s presence in India’s chemicals value chain.
He further observed that states which secure early approval under national industrial schemes often attract substantial downstream private investment, particularly from specialty chemicals, battery materials, and associated manufacturing industries.
Suggested Locations
While acknowledging that the final decision rests with the State Government, Bhattacharya suggested that several historically industrial locations merit consideration because of their logistical and industrial compatibility.
The locations mentioned in the letter include:
- Singur
- Haldia
- Raghunathpur
- Durgapur
He also encouraged the Government to evaluate any other suitable location that meets the scheme’s requirements.
Four Immediate Recommendations
To improve West Bengal’s prospects under the Challenge Route, the MP recommended four immediate administrative measures:
- Constitute an inter-departmental task force, led by the Industry, Commerce & Enterprises Department and the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), to prepare the State’s Challenge Route submission.
- Direct WBIDC to prepare an updated dossier covering land ownership, encumbrance status, and infrastructure readiness.
- Initiate proactive engagement with the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Government of India, ahead of the issuance of formal guidelines to ensure timely preparedness.
- Earmark the State’s required matching financial contribution in the forthcoming budget in consultation with the Finance Department.
Offer of Cooperation
Bhattacharya concluded his letter by expressing his willingness to assist the State Government in coordinating with the Central Government wherever required, stating that the matter deserved urgent attention given that only three Chemical Parks would be sanctioned nationwide.
Industrial Significance for West Bengal
If West Bengal succeeds in securing one of the proposed Chemical Parks, the project could significantly enhance the state’s industrial infrastructure and manufacturing ecosystem.
The development has the potential to:
- Strengthen the state’s chemicals and specialty chemicals sector.
- Attract large-scale domestic and international investment.
- Generate direct and indirect employment.
- Improve logistics and industrial competitiveness.
- Expand opportunities for downstream industries, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and agriculture.
However, the allocation of the parks will depend on the competitive selection process under the Union Government’s Challenge Route, and no decision regarding the successful states has yet been announced.
A Strategic Window of Opportunity
The letter reflects a call for timely administrative action rather than announcing any confirmed allocation. With only three Chemical Parks proposed under the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme, the coming months are expected to be crucial as interested states prepare proposals and compete for Central support.
Whether West Bengal secures one of these nationally significant industrial projects will depend on the State Government’s decision to participate, the strength of its proposal, and its readiness to meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements.
Source: Letter from Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya to the Chief Minister of West Bengal regarding the BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme.
