West Bengal, India’s sixth largest state in terms of economic size, has a projected Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs. 20.32 trillion (US$ 236.56 billion) in 2025-26. The average annual GSDP is estimated to increase at 12% from 2024-25BE.
In FY25 the total exports from the state stood at Rs. 1,09,557 crore (US$ 12.67 billion). West Bengal exported key items such as Engineering Goods and Gems and Jewellery.
As of August 2025, West Bengal had a total installed power generation capacity of 10,730.62 MW, of which 5,917.95 MW was under state utilities, 2,821.93 MW under private sector and 1,990.74 MW under central utilities.
Of the total installed power capacity, 8,476.34 MW was contributed by thermal power, 1,483.30 MW by hydropower and 770.98 MW by renewable power.
According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the state had 57.35 million wireless subscribers and 63.75 million internet subscribers, as of August 2025.
West Bengal has abundant natural resources of minerals and suitable agro-climatic conditions for agriculture, horticulture, and fisheries. It is in vicinity to mineral rich states like Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha. It offers excellent connectivity to the rest of India in terms of railways, roadways, ports, and airports.
The state is the second-largest tea growing state in India. Total tea production in West Bengal stood at 347.59 million kgs in FY25 (April-December), accounting for 25.15% of India’s total production.
Between October 2019-June 2025, FDI inflows in West Bengal stood at Rs. 15,256.66 crore (US$ 1,946.00 million).
Some of the major initiatives taken by the Government to promote West Bengal as an investment destination are:
- In October 2025, Jindal India Limited commissioned a downstream steel facility in West Bengal with an investment of Rs. 1,500 crore (US$ 171.84 million), adding 0.6 million-tonne capacity and lifting its total annual output by about 60 % to 1.6 million tonnes.
- In July 2025, the West Bengal Government announced that the state has attracted Rs. 1,33,000 crore (US$ 15.38 billion) in private investment and generated 1.8 lakh jobs across sectors such as iron & steel, oil & gas/energy and logistics.
- The industrial sector in West Bengal grew by 7.3% in 2024-25, exceeding the national average of 6.2%.
- In March 2025, Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) is exploring an investment of about Rs. 8,500 crore (US$ 973.77 million) in West Bengal for a new polycarbonate production plant.
- The state, by organizing eighth Global Summits, has so far received investment worth Rs. 23,94,595 crore (US$ 278.44 billion) in large industries.
- HDC Bulk Terminal Ltd (HBTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ), has signed the Concession Agreement with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) for mechanization of Berth no. 2 at Haldia Port.
- In State Budget 2024-25 Rs. 22,620 crore (US$ 2.73 billion) has been allocated to Agriculture and Allied Activities of which Rs 5,800 crore (US$ 700.48 million) has been allocated for financial support to Krishak Bandhu and Rs 1,200 crore (US$ 144.93 million) has been allocated for crop insurance
- As per State Budget 2024-25 Rs. 47,470 crore (US$ 5.73 billion) has been allocated for Education, Sports, Arts, and Culture of which Rs 18,029 crore (US$ 2.18 billion) has been allocated for assistance to non-government secondary schools and Rs 7,732 crore (US$ 0.93 billion) has been allocated for assistance to non-government primary schools.
West Bengal is a major economic gateway to eastern India, the Northeast and Southeast Asia, supported by strong connectivity, rich natural resources and a large consumer base. With a projected GSDP of US$ 236.56 billion in 2025–26 and robust export performance led by engineering goods, gems and jewellery, tea and rice, the state combines industrial depth with agricultural strength. Competitive operating costs, expanding power capacity, rising digital penetration and steady FDI inflows underpin its investment appeal. Ongoing investments across steel, petrochemicals, logistics, tourism, urban development, healthcare and education, along with sustained infrastructure spending, are reinforcing West Bengal’s position as a diversified and fast-growing economic hub.
