Kolkatta is no way a strategic gateway of Bengal, the way the city used to be till 1970s. Today, Cuttack, Vizag have all the advantages of Kolkatta and have strategic location and closeness to Big industries of Orissa/Chattisgarh. With improving road/rail connectivity, these cities will improve fast and offer competition to Kolkatta.
With CPM rulers, trade unions and hartals, Kolkatta has not much hope untill 2011 state elections.