BGBS 2025: Mamata Banerjee kicks off Asia’s 2nd largest coal mine project in Deucha-Pachami

At the 8th Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS 2025), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted significant developments, including the launch of basalt mining at the Deucha-Pachami coal site in the Birbhum district. Scheduled to commence operations imminently, this project taps into Asia's second-largest coal reserve, with projections of extracting 1,240 million tonnes of coal and 675 million tonnes of basalt.

Banerjee confirmed that all necessary environmental and regulatory approvals have been secured, and an agency selected through a national tender is set to undertake the basalt mining.

In conjunction with these developments, Banerjee introduced the creation of a state-level Investment Synergy Committee, aimed at expediting investment processes across diverse sectors such as land, fire safety, finance, MSME, housing, agriculture, and industry. Headed by the Chief Secretary, this committee will convene bi-weekly to facilitate prompt approvals and enhance the business climate in West Bengal.

Banerjee acknowledged Mukesh Ambani for his efforts in establishing Kolkata as a hub for Jio, and highlighted the BGBS's success with participation from 40 countries and over 200 foreign delegates.

She also called upon Tata Group to consider launching direct flights from Kolkata to Europe, following discussions with Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran.

Reflecting on the substantial economic achievements of the state, Banerjee cited investment proposals totaling Rs 90.51 lakh crore generated from past summits held in Kolkata. She emphasized Bengal's economic growth, noting a 3.9-fold increase in GDP, a 4.73-fold rise in tax revenue, significant surges in capital expenditure, social sector spending, and agricultural growth.

Banerjee asserted Bengal's position as a prime investment destination and a leader in MSME and women empowerment initiatives, underscoring the state's pioneering role in organizing business summits, which has inspired other states to follow suit.