West Bengal Cancels Adani's Tajpur Port Tender, Invites Fresh Bids

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata, June 3, 2025 — The West Bengal government has officially terminated its agreement with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) for the development of the Tajpur deep sea port, marking the end of a four-year association. The state cabinet's decision, announced on Monday, paves the way for a fresh tendering process for the ₹25,000-crore project. 

The initial tender was awarded to APSEZ in September 2021, following a competitive bidding process where the company emerged as the highest bidder. The Letter of Intent (LoI) was handed over to APSEZ CEO Karan Adani by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in October 2022. However, the project faced delays due to pending approvals from various Union ministries, including Defence, Shipping, External Affairs, and Home Affairs. Only a conditional security clearance was received from the Ministry of Home Affairs, with certain observations that required clarification.  

In November 2023, during the Bengal Global Business Summit, Chief Minister Banerjee indicated the state's intention to reopen the tender process, inviting fresh bids for the project. She emphasized the potential of the Tajpur port to attract significant investment and generate employment opportunities.  

The proposed port, located approximately 170 km from Kolkata and 5 km off NH-116, is expected to have a draft of over 12 meters, facilitating the handling of large vessels. The project includes the development of 125 acres of seafront and an additional 1,000 acres for port-linked industrial activities, with no requirement for further land acquisition.