He was speaking at a press conference after his three-day visit to Mumbai. Principal Secretary Sabyasachi Sen had accompanied him in the visit, during which they met industrialists and extolled the investment potential in the state.

While speaking about the deep sea port project, Sen said: “During our discussion with Mukesh Ambani, he enquired about the progress of the deep sea port.”

He added, “Though consultants have been shortlisted, till now, no one has bid for the project. They have even given a few suggestions regarding the terms of reference for the bidding process. The state government is concerned that though the committee looking after the port is considering these suggestions, restarting the entire process will delay the project further.”

Hence, the department feels that if prospective developers are directly called to place their bids for the port, subject to clearance from the Centre, then the pace of the project could be accelerated, the minister said.

Regarding the progress of the petroleum, chemical and petrochemical investment region (PCPIR) at Nayachar, Sabyasachi Sen said that he will visit New Delhi next week for the state plan discussion. During his visit, he will also meet the secretaries of the 13 concerned Central departments regarding the PCPIR proposal.

Nirupam Sen added that the Hinduja Group has also been requested to explore avenues of investment in the petrochemical hub at Nayachar. “They were very upbeat about the state and said that they might consider setting up a downstream naptha cracker unit in the hub,” said Sen. The Hindujas are also learnt to have expressed their interest in developing a mega super specialty hospital on the lines of the one in Mumbai.