India’s economic transformation over the past three decades has largely been driven by the growth of its western and southern states. Cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai have emerged as major centres of manufacturing, technology, infrastructure and investment. Yet as India moves towards its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, the next chapter of growth may well be written in the East. West Bengal, once the industrial heartland of India, stands at the threshold of a historic opportunity. With its strategic location, strong industrial legacy, skilled workforce, world-class connectivity and access to international markets, the state possesses all the ingredients necessary to become India’s next economic powerhouse. For decades, several industries in Bengal remained stagnant or closed due to a variety of economic and policy challenges. However, recent developments, including the reopening of long-shuttered industrial units and growing investor interest, indicate that the state is once again attracting attention as a destination for industrial growth and economic development. One of the most significant opportunities lies in the power and energy sector.  India is expected to witness unprecedented growth in electricity demand over the coming decades. Massive investments are being made in renewable energy, transmission infrastructure, battery storage, smart grids and electric mobility. To support this transition, the country requires a robust manufacturing ecosystem for transformers, switchgear, batteries, inverters, power electronics and advanced electrical equipment.

Eastern India currently lacks a major Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) testing and certification facility. Manufacturers and utilities across West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and the North-Eastern states are often required to transport equipment over long distances for testing and certification, increasing costs and causing........

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