Kolkata: The West Bengal cabinet approved the "ambitious" shipyard project, to be built as a joint venture between the state government and private players, at an estimated investment of Rs 2,000 crores in East Midnapore district.The state cabinet took the decision for acquiring 500 acres at Badar, Bhangagora and Deulpota mouzas in Mahisadal and Sutahata police station areas for the project, Chief Secretary A K Deb told reporters at the state secretariat.

"The ambitious project, to be built by Bengal Shipyard Limited, Apeejay Surrendra Group and Bharti Shipyard, will provide direct employment to 3,000 and indirect employment to 600 people," he said.Deb said the state government has decided to unveil a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the people whose land would be acquired for the project.

The state government has shelved its proposed chemical hub project in Nandigram in the district and shifted it to Nayachar island, close to Haldia, in the face of stiff resistance and violence by the local people.Deb said the cabinet also decided to either acquire or purchase 500 acres at Guptamanipur in West Midnapore district for setting up a plant for manufacturing auto components.

The plant will be set up by WBIDC, WBIIDC and SREI Group.The cabinet also decided to acquire 250 acres for a unit of the ninth Engineering Regiment to be set up by the defence ministry at Nabagram in Murshidabad district.The ministry had earlier sought land from the state government, Deb said.