West Bengal Plans Major Expansion at Calcutta Leather Complex

The West Bengal government anticipates a Rs 10,000 crore investment and 2.5 lakh job creation in the Calcutta Leather Complex. The complex has attracted Rs 25,000 crore investments, employing five lakh people. Additional tanneries and footwear units, alongside infrastructure developments, are expected to increase total employment to 7.5 lakh.

The West Bengal government is expecting an additional investment of Rs 10,000 crore and the creation of 2.5 lakh jobs at the Calcutta Leather Complex, a senior official confirmed on Thursday.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee chaired a review meeting with representatives of the leather council, during which Alapan Bandyopadhyay, Chief Advisor to the CM, stated that the complex has already garnered Rs 25,000 crore in investments, bringing employment to five lakh people.

Currently, 500 tanneries and leather goods manufacturing units are operational within the 1,150-acre complex. The meeting highlighted plans for 187 additional tanneries and 139 footwear units, aiming to boost investment by Rs 10,000 crore and generate 2.5 lakh additional jobs.

With these developments, total direct and indirect employment at the complex is projected to reach 7.5 lakh.

Bandyopadhyay also noted the completion of Rs 900 crore worth of infrastructural works, including solid and liquid waste management, drinking water supply, sewerage, roads, and common facility centers.

An allocation of Rs 475 crore has been made for a drinking water supply system that will benefit the surrounding areas.

Additionally, Bandyopadhyay announced the construction of a leather and cottage industry mall opposite the Alipore Museum in southern Kolkata. HIDCO will manage the mall, dedicating at least 50 percent of its space to products from the Calcutta Leather Complex, offering artisans international marketing exposure.

(With inputs from agencies.)