The Business Bytes
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
SALBONI (WEST BENGAL), APRIL 21, 2025
In a strategic move to reposition West Bengal on the global manufacturing map, the JSW Group has unveiled plans to attract Japanese and Korean companies to its proposed 2,000-acre industrial park in Salboni, Paschim Medinipur. The announcement was made by JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal during the foundation stone-laying ceremony for both the industrial park and a 1,600-MW power plant, presided over by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
JSW aims to leverage the ongoing US-China trade tensions by targeting East Asian manufacturers currently operating in China. Many such firms, especially in electronics, electrical equipment, cell phone batteries, refrigerators, transformers, and chemical sectors, are now exploring cost-effective destinations outside of China, with India emerging as a compelling choice. Jindal noted that relocating back to their home countries is not financially viable for these companies, making Salboni’s upcoming industrial park an ideal investment destination.
The park will offer a host of investor-friendly features, including plug-and-play industrial facilities, discounted rates for water and electricity, and direct access to highway and railway networks, creating a robust logistics and utility ecosystem for manufacturers. These value-added offerings are designed to ease entry and minimize operational challenges for global players setting up base in India.
As part of a broader development blueprint, JSW Energy — the power arm of the group — is committing ₹16,000 crore to the 1,600-MW power plant, which is expected to generate over 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. In addition, the group is planning to establish two more 800-MW power units in the Salboni region, significantly expanding its energy footprint.
The strategic land allocation includes 1,000 acres designated for the power project, 2,000 acres for the industrial park, and 600 acres for the existing cement plant, leaving an additional 800 acres reserved for future expansion. This carefully segmented development is aimed at optimizing resource use and enabling phased industrial growth.
Reflecting on the journey of the Salboni project, Jindal recalled its turbulent beginnings in 2008, when the original steel plant proposal was shelved due to raw material linkage issues and the fallout from the Singur and Nandigram land agitations. Despite the early setbacks, the region has since witnessed steady industrial progress, and the revival of the Salboni vision marks a significant milestone for the JSW Group and the state.
Jindal emphasized that the power plant will incorporate state-of-the-art, eco-friendly technology with zero pollution emissions, ensuring alignment with sustainable development goals while addressing the region’s increasing energy demands. He also acknowledged the role of the local farming community, underscoring that the project sits on land originally belonging to farmers, who must now benefit from the economic opportunities it will bring.
With strong backing from the state government, enhanced infrastructure, and a globally competitive business environment, JSW envisions the Salboni industrial park as a model project for India — one that can attract global capital, drive regional employment, and reinforce West Bengal’s position as a key industrial player in Asia.
