Central feasibility study on port-highway link soon

The central government has assured the state to conduct feasibility study for a major infrastructure project connecting the ports of the state with the 'national highway' (NH).

While inaugurating the 'India International Mega Trade Fair-2004' (IIMTF 2004) today in the city, chief minister (CM) Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said "We are having talk with the central government about this project of connecting the port with NH. We have been assured of the 'feasibility study' to be conducted by them soon".

Highlighting the potential in the state CM pointed to the immense growth that is taking place in the information technology (IT) sector "" namely IT companies like Wipro, Cognizant Technology Solution who have invested in their West Bengal operations.

"IT sector's growth in the state is around 120 per cent ""- much higher than the national figure of 34-35 per cent" the CM added.

The state is also in talk with the Sikkim government to improve the infrastructure in the north-eastern potential regions like Siliguri and others to facilitate trade through the 'nathula pass'.

CM also claimed the 'retail industry' as the most happening and booming industry in the state "" along with some other happening industries as iron and steel .

"Investors are increasingly willing to invest in our state ""at times we are finding it difficult to allot land to them", he added.

" The fair would be a milestone in the growth of trade and industry in our state and should be held on a regular basis", said N R Goenka, president Bharat Chamber of Commerce (BCC) who are the joint promoter of the event with Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India -Bengal (CREDAI-Bengal).