In a significant move aimed at boosting development in North Bengal, the West Bengal cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday approved multiple projects including the establishment of a Mahakal temple and cultural complex near Siliguri.
Major Temple and Cultural Complex Approved
State Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya announced that the cabinet has given its nod for the construction of a Mahakal temple and cultural complex at Matigara near Siliguri. Two plots of land previously owned by a private company on leasehold basis will be transferred to Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) for executing these projects.
The temple complex will spread across over 25 acres of land, while the cultural complex will occupy a three-acre plot. These lands will subsequently be handed over to the tourism department by SJDA for development.
Infrastructure and Housing Initiatives
The cabinet also approved the construction of a new convention centre on a 10-acre plot near the Asian Highway in Dabgram, ensuring excellent connectivity alongside the Teesta River. This facility is expected to host various types of meetings and conventions.
In a major housing initiative, the cabinet decided to provide funds to 16.3 lakh beneficiaries of Banglar Bari scheme by January 2026. Bhattacharya acknowledged that fund release has been delayed due to ongoing SIR work, but confirmed that the state has already allocated funds to over 12 lakh beneficiaries this year.
Industrial and Road Development
The cabinet greenlit the allotment of industrial land for WBIDC's industrial parks at seven locations across the state. One industrial park each will be established at Kalyani, Bishnupur, and Uluberia, while two each will come up at Cooch Behar and Falta.
Significant road development projects were also approved, including 15,011 km under Pathashree (gramin) scheme involving approximately 9,000 roads in rural areas. Additionally, 5,019 km of Pathashree (urban) roads will be developed in urban localities.
The Siliguri Mahakal Mandir, featuring an idol of Lord Shiva, becomes the third major temple construction project undertaken by the state government after the recently inaugurated Jagannath temple at Digha and the announced Durga Angan at Rajarhat. With assembly polls scheduled for 2026, these development projects are expected to feature prominently in Trinamool's campaign strategy for North Bengal.
