The West Bengal Index

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 ₹𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬-𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗕𝗚 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻. West Bengal is set to attract ₹3,000 crore from Noida-based Skymax Infra Power Limited for solid-waste management facilities and Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. The proposed investment is expected to generate 1,500–2,000 jobs. The plan involves segregating waste and converting suitable material into CBG, addressing waste accumulation and associated health concerns across the state. Separately, NITCON will undertake consultancy and project-development work for urban renewal, street beautification and Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) facilities. The initial focus will be on Kolkata Municipal Corporation and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation areas, including removing tangled overhead telecom cables. Parking locations, project costs and timelines will depend on surveys, existing infrastructure and land availability.

𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁: 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗣𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗹-𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Adperma Private Ltd is expected to begin commercial production at its ₹6,000-crore phenol-acetone complex in Haldia by the end of December 2026, marking a key step towards domestic production of these industrial chemicals. The Haldia Petrochemicals subsidiary has an annual design capacity of 3.45 lakh tonnes of phenol and 2.15 lakh tonnes of acetone, taking combined capacity to 5.60 lakh tonnes. India reportedly imports 2.5–3 lakh tonnes of phenol and around 2 lakh tonnes of acetone annually, highlighting the project's import-substitution potential. HPL is expected to supply all the complex's propylene requirement and about 60% of its benzene needs. The company has indicated a target of reaching full design capacity within around three months of startup. Future opportunities include downstream chemicals such as bisphenol-A and polycarbonate, though further investments remain under consideration.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀. Bengal’s new industry policy, to be unveiled by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on November 5, is expected to fast-track clearances for industrial projects requiring over 100 acres. The policy is expected to offer investor incentives, introduce a single-window clearance system and impose stricter conditions on industrial land allocation and use. The state cabinet approved the policy on October 28 after incorporating recommendations from key officials and cabinet members. The government is considering a three-year deadline for industries to begin production after receiving land. Failure to meet it could lead to cancellation of allotments and land reclamation. Final provisions will be confirmed at the launch. The policy aims to improve Bengal’s investment climate and attract large-scale industrial projects, with industry leaders invited to Nabanna for the November 5 unveiling.

𝗩𝗲𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀 ₹𝟴𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹. Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal is exploring ₹70,000–80,000 crore in potential investments in West Bengal for power generation and an aluminium smelter. After meeting CM Suvendu Adhikari at Nabanna on Wednesday, he said Asansol is under consideration, citing coal resources and existing land. The projects could generate thousands of jobs, subject to feasibility and approvals. Vedanta has around 300 acres in the region, though additional land may be needed. Coal, water, infrastructure and clearances will be crucial. Agarwal said the projects could become operational within three years with government support. A feasibility study will precede any final investment decision, so the proposed outlay is not yet a confirmed commitment.

𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗞𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗽𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮’𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗜 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹. IIT Kharagpur will establish India’s first dedicated Physical AI school, the Benjamin Gupta School of Physical AI, with an estimated investment of ₹35 crore. The funding includes ₹12.5 crore from the Vinod Gupta family, ₹10 crore from another alumnus and ₹12.5 crore from the institute. A tripartite MoU has been signed with Vinod Gupta and the IIT KGP Foundation, US, to advance research into AI systems that understand and interact with the physical world. The school will focus on physics-informed machine learning, scientific AI, digital twins, intelligent robotics, autonomous systems and AI-enabled experimentation. Applications will span manufacturing, energy, agriculture, healthcare, climate technology and infrastructure. Proposed courses include hybrid master’s programmes, executive education and professional certifications, with the first programmes expected in the upcoming academic session, subject to approvals.

𝗞𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺, 𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗜𝗧 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴. Kolkata’s office market is gaining momentum, with leasing rising 27% year-on-year in Q3 2026. Transactions totalled 1.5 million sq ft during January–September, the second-highest nine-month volume since 2017, although 9% below last year’s 1.64 million sq ft. Quarterly leasing climbed from 0.37 million sq ft in Q1 to 0.46 million in Q2 and 0.67 million in Q3. New supply remained limited at 0.28 million sq ft, following zero additions in 2025. Vacancy fell to 26.1%, its lowest since 2018, from 31.9% a year earlier. Average rents rose 13% to ₹52 per sq ft monthly, the fastest growth among India’s eight major office markets, and stood 37% above Q3 2019. Grade A offices accounted for 94% of transactions. IT and ITeS contributed 47% of leasing, while flexible workspaces accounted for 27%. Manufacturing leasing surged 256% to 0.23 million sq ft, raising its share from 5% to 15%.

𝗚𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 ₹𝟭,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟴 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the Union Government and the Government of West Bengal will jointly implement the Ghatal Master Plan, with IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee preparing the plan. He said work would begin soon, while 12 spurs are planned amid wider efforts to tackle Ganga erosion. The announcement followed a meeting convened by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in Delhi, attended by representatives of Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. West Bengal has allocated ₹1,200 crore for the Ghatal Master Plan in FY2026–27. Most work is targeted for completion by June 2027, with the entire project scheduled for completion by 2028. Designed to address recurring floods in low-lying areas of Paschim and Purba Medinipur, the project will involve public representatives from Ghatal, Chandrakona and Daspur through a dedicated coordination team.

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 ₹𝟰𝟯𝟬.𝟲𝟴 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴. The Union Government has approved ₹430.68 crore in dredging assistance for Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Authority (SMPA). The funding supports maintenance along the Hooghly’s 232-km navigational channel to Kolkata Dock System and 125-km stretch serving Haldia Dock Complex, where persistent siltation makes regular dredging essential for safe vessel movement. Union Government support, historically 100%, fell to 61% by FY2024. The contribution will decline from 58% in FY2024-25 to 40% in FY2030-31, after which the port must fund dredging entirely from internal resources. From FY2026-27, disbursement will depend on targets for PPP cargo handling, berth mechanisation, traffic growth and net surplus before tax excluding the subsidy.

𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 ₹𝟭,𝟳𝟭𝟰 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁. SAIL has approved a ₹1,714 crore plan to expand and modernise Durgapur’s Alloy Steels Plant (ASP), which has faced years of losses, disinvestment attempts and speculation over relocation. The investment aims to strengthen the plant’s production infrastructure and secure its long-term operational future. The proposal received first-phase approval at SAIL’s 537th board meeting on September 25. Completion is estimated at 30–36 months after second-phase clearance, though the start date remains undisclosed. The project aims to upgrade technology, improve efficiency and increase production capacity. Specific output targets and employment figures are yet to be announced. Workers’ unions have welcomed the decision as the outcome of a prolonged struggle.

𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗯𝘀. West Bengal is signing agreements with major industrial players, including the Adani Group, to provide industry-specific skill training to youths and facilitate employment after course completion. Several skill centres are being planned through the group, with training tailored to companies’ workforce requirements, CM Suvendu Adhikari said. The state plans to hand over 51 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to private corporate groups under the Centre’s PM SETU scheme. Industry partners would modernise infrastructure and design curricula aligned with job requirements. CM Adhikari promised new industrial initiatives every month, citing projects already launched after bhoomi pujan ceremonies, and welcomed private investment in healthcare and education. Post-training jobs are an objective, not a guarantee.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟮 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗯𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟰 𝗚𝗜-𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀. West Bengal plans two large rice processing hubs in Purba Bardhaman and Uttar Dinajpur to boost exports of its four GI-tagged aromatic varieties: Gobindobhog, Tulaipanji, Kalonunia and Radhunipagal. Talks are underway with India Gate, while IARI scientists are expected to assess the prospects. The state is also exploring genetic research to improve nutritional value and lower glycaemic index, alongside high-yielding seeds. Bengal produces over 3.89 lakh metric tonnes of aromatic rice across 1.73 lakh hectares under RKVY. Gobindobhog contributes 1.12 lakh tonnes, Tulaipanji 18,000 tonnes, Kalonunia 3,000 tonnes and Radhunipagal 400 tonnes. For FY2026-27, the state plans to expand cultivation by another 15,148 hectares, aiming to raise production, facilitate exports and improve farmers’ earnings.

𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗷𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 ₹𝟭𝟭𝟬 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝘂𝘅𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗱𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀. JK Urbanscapes Developers Limited has partnered with Minor Hotels to develop Anantara Retreat Darjeeling Hills at the 849-acre Tindharia Tea Estate. Announced on 19 October 2026, the ₹110 crore project will feature 70 keys, comprising 35 suites and 35 tented villas. Scheduled to open in 2031, it will introduce the Anantara Retreats brand to India, combining luxury hospitality with tea tourism and wellness. The retreat will include a spa, swimming pool, fitness centre, tea factory experiences and 750 sq. m. of event space. Meanwhile, in Alipurduar, a lockout at Bharnobari Tea Garden and the reported departure of Kohinoor Tea Garden’s management without notice have left around 2,500 workers in distress ahead of Kali Pujo, highlighting contrasting realities across tea gardens in Bengal.

𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗵𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵: 𝟲𝟱,𝟭𝟰𝟬 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀, ₹𝟯𝟰𝟮 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced 65,140 Junglemahal houses under PMAY, with ₹1.25 lakh per eligible household, and 125 days of guaranteed employment under VB-G RAM G. Tribal areas will receive ₹342 crore for roads, culverts, solar high-mast lights and community halls. A weekly nutrition programme will cover 75,000+ PVTG beneficiaries across four districts, beyond existing ration entitlements. Under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, 881 projects worth ₹125 crore are planned, with ₹54.80 crore received. Separate tribal universities are proposed for Bankura and Jhargram. Jhargram has development proposals worth ₹59.50 crore, with ₹2.5 crore sanctioned before Pujo.

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 ₹𝟭,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵; 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵. West Bengal has allocated ₹1,200 crore for Sundarbans development, with tenders floated for 553 works in the first phase and 2,649 projects planned in the second. The government will establish the Sundarbans Affairs department secretariat at Kakdwip, improve inter-island connectivity and develop Gangasagar Mela into an international tourism destination. Kakdwip may also become a separate district. CM Suvendu Adhikari has set 2029 as the target for inaugurating the Muriganga bridge. The government has also directed officials to expedite CAA certificates for eligible refugees before January 10. Separately, 11,000 police personnel have been recruited, while the government has promised one lakh jobs within a year.

𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗷𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵: 𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀, 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀. West Bengal aims to transform hill tourism across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Dudhia, Mongpu and Kurseong within 6–7 months. Plans include five proposed ropeways to ease congestion, heritage conservation, waste management, Tea Festivals, vintage car rallies, river rafting and paragliding. The goal is to strengthen infrastructure and elevate Bengal’s international tourism profile. Darjeeling’s Digital Tourism App, developed in three days, will showcase heritage sites, offbeat destinations and visitor information. Homestay registration, renewals and applications are set to go online, while police will map registered and unregistered properties. New tourism policies have received Cabinet approval. A ₹57 crore Union Government allocation, alongside departmental land and assets, will support tourism development.

𝗞𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼: ₹𝟮𝟵𝟳 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝘀𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗣𝘂𝗷𝗼 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗵𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱. RVNL has invited bids for a ₹297.45 crore contract to install power distribution, traction substations and a 750 V DC third-rail system on Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line. The package covers four underground stations between Mominpur and Esplanade, associated tunnels and the elevated Joka–IIM section, under the Diamond Park–Joka–Esplanade corridor. Kolkata Metro carried 61.51 lakh passengers from Panchami to Dashami during Durga Pujo, up 32% from 46.56 lakh last year. Sasthi set a daily record of 12.01 lakh passengers. Dum Dum led station footfall with 4.97 lakh, followed by Kalighat (4.83 lakh) and Sealdah (4.19 lakh). Additional staff, RPF and state police were deployed for crowd management and security.

𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗷𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴’𝘀 𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘆. Darjeeling’s century-old Capitol Hall is set for a major revival as a museum and art gallery. Inaugurated in May 1921, the heritage building features a 75-foot clock tower and once housed a 600-seat cinema theatre, which shut down in the 1980s. The clock tower was restored in 2006 by the Darjeeling Rotary Club, but the building’s tourism potential remained largely untapped. The Darjeeling Municipality has prepared the Detailed Project Report, with the GTA set to execute the project. Work is expected to begin within 2–3 months. The museum will showcase Darjeeling’s history, culture, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s toy train and the region’s tea gardens. Authorities have sought support from DHR officials and century-old tea estates. Local artists will also get exhibition space, with the revamped heritage attraction targeted to open next year.

𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮. From Stuttgart and Warsaw to Luxembourg, London and Houston, Durga Pujo is uniting Bengali communities across continents. Stuttgart offers free entry and Bengali cuisine, Warsaw marks nine years of community celebrations, while Luxembourg’s LuxUtsav hosts its eighth edition with five days of rituals, cultural programmes and food. London’s Bengal Cultural & Social Club, founded by eight doctors 27 years ago, welcomes 2,000+ visitors with traditional rituals and free vegetarian bhog. In Houston, Chandannagar-style lighting, life-size paintings, thematic décor and Bengali cuisine recreate Bengal’s festive atmosphere, keeping its cultural heritage alive thousands of kilometres from home.