Vedanta Explores Rs 80,000-Crore Investment in Bengal for Power, Aluminium

Vedanta is exploring an investment of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore in West Bengal to establish power generation facilities and an aluminium smelter, chairman Anil Agarwal said on Wednesday, adding that the proposed projects could generate thousands of jobs.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Agarwal said the group would assess the feasibility of the projects, with coal availability and existing infrastructure potentially supporting industrial operations. The projects could become operational within three years, subject to feasibility and proactive state government support, he said.“The chief minister told me that I could explore investment in any sector, and I said I would look at it. I promised him that thousands of jobs would be created,” Agarwal said.

Asansol is being considered as a possible location because of its coal resources and Vedanta's existing assets in the region. The company has around 300 acres of land there that could be examined for the projects, although additional land may be required. Agarwal said alumina, the key raw material for aluminium production, could be transported from the group's Odisha operations, including Jharsuguda, using existing railway connectivity.

The group will conduct a feasibility study to assess the location, infrastructure requirements and overall viability before making a final investment decision. Access to coal and water, along with timely regulatory clearances, would be crucial to implementing the proposals. Agarwal urged the state government to ensure the timely availability of resources and approvals to facilitate the investments. He also highlighted West Bengal's entrepreneurial potential, saying the proposed aluminium smelter could encourage smaller businesses to establish downstream industries.

Such enterprises could involve investments ranging from Rs 5 crore to Rs 50 crore, creating additional employment and supporting industrial development, he said. Describing Bengal as a state with entrepreneurial talent and skilled manpower, Agarwal said the proposed projects could create wider opportunities for local businesses.

The investment remains at the exploratory stage, with the final decision dependent on the outcome of the feasibility assessment and the availability of essential resources and clearances.