West Bengal Secures ₹250 Crore EV Investment from Thailand's Assara Electric
West Bengal has received a major boost to its industrial and electric mobility ambitions with Thailand-based Assara Electric announcing a ₹250 crore investment to establish electric scooter manufacturing in the state. The company will enter the Indian market through a strategic partnership with Kolkata-based Mercstone EV, making this the first foreign investment announced since the new government assumed office.
The investment is expected to strengthen West Bengal's rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ecosystem, create employment opportunities, and position the state as a key destination for clean mobility investments in eastern India.
Assara Electric Chooses West Bengal for Indian Expansion
Assara Electric, a leading electric mobility company from Thailand, has selected West Bengal as the base for its Indian operations. Through its collaboration with Mercstone EV, the company will manufacture electric scooters to cater to the growing demand for sustainable transportation across India.
The ₹250 crore investment reflects increasing global confidence in West Bengal's industrial ecosystem and its potential to become a major manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.
First Major Foreign Investment Under the New Government
The announcement carries additional significance as it marks the first foreign investment secured since the new government assumed office.
It also follows the presentation of West Bengal's ₹4.39 lakh crore Budget for 2026-27, which placed strong emphasis on industrialisation, employment generation, manufacturing growth and attracting both domestic and international investments.
The state government has reiterated its commitment to simplifying business processes, strengthening infrastructure and creating an investor-friendly environment, with the Assara Electric project emerging as one of the earliest outcomes of this renewed policy focus.
Boost for Bengal's EV Manufacturing Ecosystem
The new manufacturing project is expected to contribute significantly to the state's growing electric mobility sector.
Key expected benefits include:
- Manufacturing of electric scooters in West Bengal.
- Creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
- Strengthening of the state's EV supply chain and component ecosystem.
- Encouraging ancillary industries to establish operations in the region.
- Supporting India's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility.
Government officials have also indicated that the investment could pave the way for future expansion into electric buses, battery systems, EV components and other advanced mobility solutions.
Kolkata-Based Mercstone EV to Play a Key Role
The partnership with Kolkata-based Mercstone EV highlights the growing capabilities of local companies in attracting international collaborations.
By partnering with an established regional player, Assara Electric will be able to leverage local expertise, manufacturing capabilities and market knowledge while accelerating its expansion into India's fast-growing EV market.
The collaboration also demonstrates how homegrown enterprises are becoming integral to global investment decisions in West Bengal.
Strengthening Bengal's Industrial Growth Story
West Bengal has been actively working to position itself as a preferred investment destination across sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, technology, infrastructure, renewable energy and mobility.
With India witnessing rapid adoption of electric vehicles driven by government incentives, rising fuel prices and increasing environmental awareness, investments like this are expected to accelerate industrial growth while supporting long-term sustainability goals.
The arrival of Assara Electric adds another international name to the state's expanding investment portfolio and reinforces confidence in Bengal's manufacturing potential.
A Positive Signal for Future Investments
The ₹250 crore investment is more than just a manufacturing project—it signals growing global interest in West Bengal's industrial ecosystem.
As the state continues to improve infrastructure, promote ease of doing business and support emerging industries, similar investments in electric vehicles, clean technology and advanced manufacturing are likely to follow.
With strong policy support and increasing international participation, West Bengal is steadily strengthening its position as one of India's emerging hubs for electric mobility and sustainable manufacturing.