Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, in collaboration with Captain Steel, is setting up a ₹2,500 crore steel manufacturing facility in Garbeta, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. The greenfield project, with a production capacity of 0.8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), is expected to become operational within the next 18 to 20 months.
Ganguly highlighted that while many assume such projects can be completed quickly, multiple regulatory approvals must be obtained before construction and operations can begin. These include environmental clearances, pollution control approvals, and other government permissions. Once these processes are completed, the facility will be ready for operation within the projected timeline.
Initially planned for Salboni, the project was relocated to Garbeta due to challenges in acquiring suitable land. The new location, approximately 26 kilometers from Salboni, has been finalized, and the land acquisition process is ongoing. Captain Steel has confirmed that they are securing the necessary approvals to move forward. The plant will require around 350 acres, making it a significant addition to the region’s industrial sector.
Captain Steel currently operates two plants with a combined annual production capacity of 5 lakh tonnes. The new facility will add 8 lakh tonnes, increasing the company’s total capacity to 1.3 million tonnes per annum. The expansion is expected to meet growing demand in the construction and infrastructure industries while reinforcing the company’s position in the steel sector.
Beyond production, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to industrial development in West Bengal. The state government has been actively promoting manufacturing investments, and this initiative aligns with its broader economic objectives. The project was first announced publicly during West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s visit to Spain in 2023. More recently, at the 2025 Global Investment Summit, Banerjee acknowledged Ganguly’s growing involvement in industrial ventures, marking his transition from cricket administration to business.
While Ganguly’s exact financial stake in the venture has not been disclosed, sources indicate that his involvement is substantial. His partnership with Captain Steel reflects a strategic effort to expand operations in India’s growing steel sector. As the project progresses, it is expected to strengthen West Bengal’s manufacturing industry, attract further investment, and support long-term economic growth.
