Adani to pump Rs 750 cr into Bengal

Kolkata: Expressing interest to invest in port, Agri and power sectors, the Adani Group on Wednesday said it would pump in Rs 750 crore to double the capacity of the company's edible oil refinery at Haldia in the state.

Announcing this at the second and last day of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) here, Pranav Adani of the Adani Group also expressed his interest to set up a port like Mundra in Bengal.

"If the Bengal government cooperates with us, we can set up a port like Mundra here," he said.

Mundra Port is the largest private port in India located on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra in Gujarat's Kutch district.

Earlier, it was operated by Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone Limited (MPSEZ) owned by the Adani Group. It was later expanded to Adani Ports and SEZ Limited (APSEZ). In 2013-14, Mundra port had handled 100 million tonnes of cargo in a year becoming the first Indian port to do so.

Pranav, who attended the BGBS for the first time, recalled Bengal's historical contribution. "Bengal has produced Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji along with a host of other freedom fighters."

Adani said Bengal can function as the main centre of South-East Asia and North East India because of its geographical position. He lauded the role of Mamata Banerjee in spearheading the state and said: "Under Mamataji, Bengal has become vibrant and full of activities." He said the Adani Group will double the capacity of the edible oil refinery in Haldia in the next couple of years. He also showed a keen interest in solar power plants and renewable power. In Agri logistics and warehousing, the Adanis will double its investment in the next few years.

Malay De, Chief Secretary, said Bengal was absolutely ready for investment. The state government is ready to cooperate with industrialists and sort out any problem that evolves. He assured the investors all possible cooperation and said Bengal means business.