Wed Feb 05 18:18:23 UTC 2025: ## Bengal Launches Massive Coal Extraction Project, Attracts Billions in Investment

**Kolkata, India –** West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the commencement of coal extraction at the Deucha Pachami coal block in Birbhum district, one of the world’s largest, boasting reserves of 1.24 billion tonnes of coal and 2.6 billion tonnes of basalt. The project, starting immediately, is expected to create over 100,000 jobs and eliminate power shortages for the next century. Land acquisition and compensation for local residents have been completed.

The announcement, made at the inaugural session of the Bengal Global Business Summit 2025, drew significant attention and investment pledges. Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to strengthen inter-state relations and boost India’s economic growth. Bhutan’s Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Younten Phuntsho, emphasized the project’s importance for regional connectivity and economic development.

The summit saw substantial investment commitments. JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal announced a ₹20,000 crore (approximately $2.4 billion USD) investment in West Bengal’s power sector, with plans to double this amount if needed. The group also expressed interest in developing Durgapur Airport into a second major air hub for the state. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani lauded West Bengal’s potential and announced plans to double its investment in the state over the next decade, reaching over ₹50,000 crore (approximately $6 billion USD). This follows an initial investment of ₹2,000 crore in 2016.

Chief Minister Banerjee concluded the summit by highlighting West Bengal’s impressive economic growth, citing significant increases in tax revenue, capital expenditure, social sector investment, and agricultural output. The event showcased West Bengal’s commitment to collaborative growth with other states and nations.

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