Real estate companies should build state-of-the-art warehouses & logistics centres: Firhad Hakim

Kolkata: State Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Firhad Hakim on Saturday urged the real estate firms to build state-of the-art warehouses and logistics centres which will generate more jobs.

Speaking at the conference on "Sustainable Real Estate" organised by the CII at a city hotel on Saturday, he said: "It will not only give a fresh impetus to businesses here in the state but will also create new job opportunities. If more jobs are created, the demand for real estate will go up. Build warehouses and logistics hubs. There is also a need for ensuring optimum use of the land available."

While addressing a gathering at the conference, Hakim also said the growth in urban infrastructure plays a key role in building the economy of the state. With an estimated 41.5 million people moving to urban areas by 2030, Bengal will see rapid urbanisation. Hence, the state will need to build an equivalent of 2.68 million additional units of dwellings and approximately 3,100 hospitals.

"While the metros are witnessing fast evolving skyline with tall skyscrapers and architecture, the smaller towns are observing transmutation of the surface through expansion of roads and flyovers. This change is not irrational but it is inevitable," he maintained.

The minister also reminded that the state's urban policy encompasses all.

"Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, we are committed to provide housing, health, sanitation, education, hygiene to everyone," the minister said.

O S Meena, Secretary, Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs shared the state government's plans to build zones near each of the district headquarters in the state. The government's green mission is not limited to one or two cities, but it covers all the urban centres across Bengal, Meena said.

While addressing the gathering earlier in the day Debasish Sen, Chairman, WBHIDCO, stressed on the strategic relationship with the neighbours including the North-Eastern states. It may be mentioned here that Assam government has shown keen interest in replicating the New Town model.

During Horasis Meet held in the city few days ago, a top administrative official expressed interest on replicating the New Town model in their state.