DADA NEW BUSINESS ADVENTURE WITH STEEL
Sourav Ganguly’s name evokes images of leadership, grit, and revolution in Indian cricket. His iconic moments—from waving his shirt at Lord’s to leading India to historic overseas victories—cemented his legacy as a captain who wasn’t afraid to take risks. Today, Ganguly finds himself in a different arena altogether: industry and entrepreneurship. His latest venture, a ₹2,500 crore integrated steel plant in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district, marks a bold shift from the cricket pitch to the industrial landscape of India.
This isn’t merely a business move; it’s a statement of intent. For Ganguly, the project represents not only a continuation of his family’s legacy in steel but also a personal commitment to contributing to his home state’s economic revival. With West Bengal struggling to keep up with industrial powerhouses like Maharashtra and Gujarat, Ganguly’s initiative could become a pivotal moment in re-establishing the state as a significant player in India’s industrial ecosystem.
The story of Ganguly’s foray into steel isn’t entirely new. His family has been involved in steel manufacturing for decades, operating plants in Durgapur, West Bengal, and Patna, Bihar. The experience gained from these ventures gives Ganguly a strong foundation to embark on this larger, more ambitious project. However, unlike the smaller-scale operations of the past, this venture is about scale, modernization, and creating a sustainable industrial ecosystem in West Bengal.
In September 2023, Ganguly announced his plans during the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) in Madrid, Spain. Flanked by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, his announcement wasn’t just about establishing another steel plant—it was about transforming Salboni, an underdeveloped region in Paschim Medinipur, into an industrial hub. The plant’s proposed capacity of one million tonnes annually signals a serious commitment to producing high-grade steel, which could position the plant as one of the largest in Eastern India.
The choice of Salboni as the site carries both strategic and symbolic significance. Originally, this land was earmarked for a mega steel project by JSW Steel, which never materialized. Reviving an abandoned industrial dream with Ganguly at the helm sends a powerful message of resilience and renewed confidence in the region’s industrial potential. Salboni’s location also offers logistical advantages, given its proximity to major ports and existing infrastructure—factors that could significantly ease transportation
Yet, this project is not just about bricks, mortar, and machinery. It’s about vision and collaboration. To bring his plans to life, Ganguly partnered with Captain Steel, a well-established name in India’s steel sector. This partnership reflects more than just a business arrangement; it’s a strategic alliance rooted in mutual respect and long-standing personal relationships. For Ganguly, aligning with a seasoned industry player reduces risks while ensuring access to advanced manufacturing technology and operational expertise.
What stands out is the government’s proactive support of the project. In a bureaucratic landscape where industrial approvals often get bogged down in red tape, Ganguly’s project progressed from concept to approval in just four to five months. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s swift facilitation of land allocation and other necessary permissions signals West Bengal’s intent to emerge as an investor-friendly destination. It also reflects the state government’s understanding of Ganguly’s potential to attract more high-profile investments to the region.
However, no industrial venture of this scale comes without its challenges. Ganguly himself has been candid about the timeline. “We’re building the steel plant. But the problem is that everybody expects it to be ready in two months. But that doesn’t happen realistically. Hopefully, we’re looking at operations in the next 18-20 months,” he remarked in a recent interview. This statement reflects his pragmatic understanding of the complexities involved, from land acquisition hurdles to obtaining environmental clearances and establishing efficient supply chains.
Beyond the logistical challenges, the economic stakes are enormous. A project of this scale has the potential to inject significant revenue into the state’s economy. More importantly, it could create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, offering employment opportunities in a region desperately in need of economic rejuvenation. From construction workers and engineers to logistics providers and administrative staff, the employment ripple effect could extend across multiple sectors.
But the larger question remains: Can this project spark a broader industrial renaissance in West Bengal? If successful, Ganguly’s steel plant could serve as a catalyst for other industries to invest in the region. It could encourage entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, from automotive manufacturing to technology, to consider West Bengal as a viable industrial destination. This could also help diversify the state’s economic base, which has traditionally been reliant on sectors like agriculture, tea, and jute.
Ganguly’s venture also highlights an emerging trend in India’s business landscape—celebrities and sports icons taking on entrepreneurial roles that extend beyond endorsements and startup investments. Unlike many celebrity ventures that focus on branding or retail, Ganguly’s steel plant represents a deep, long-term commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth.
If successful, the plant could elevate West Bengal’s industrial profile to rival that of more traditionally industrialized states. It could also position India competitively in the global steel market, particularly at a time when global demand for steel is on the rise, driven by infrastructure development in Southeast Asia and Africa. Moreover, Ganguly’s decision to focus on sustainability and advanced manufacturing processes could make the plant a model for environmentally responsible industrial development in India.
Ultimately, Ganguly’s steel plant is about more than just business—it’s about leadership. Just as he led India’s cricket team with fearlessness and foresight, he now seems determined to bring those same qualities to his entrepreneurial journey. His ability to rally support, form strategic partnerships, and drive long-term growth reflects the same tenacity that made him one of India’s most respected cricket captains.
The road ahead won’t be easy. Industrial projects of this scale require navigating complex regulatory landscapes, managing fluctuating global steel prices, and dealing with unforeseen logistical challenges. Yet, if there’s one thing Ganguly has shown time and again, it’s his ability to rise to the occasion, no matter how daunting the challenge.
As construction begins and operations take shape, all eyes will be on Ganguly—not as the ‘Dada’ of Indian cricket, but as a visionary industrialist with the potential to reshape West Bengal’s economic future. Whether this venture becomes a symbol of India’s industrial resurgence or a missed opportunity will depend on execution, persistence, and a little bit of the fearless leadership that made Ganguly a legend in the first place.
