Siliguri, one of North Bengal’s most strategic cities, is all set to become a key economic and business hub, thanks to a slew of development initiatives announced by West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Speaking at the North Bengal Business Meet in Siliguri on May 20, 2025, the Chief Minister revealed that Siliguri would soon have an international convention centre, a new IT park, and four industrial parks aimed at transforming the region into a dynamic business destination.
These announcements underline the government’s intention to decentralize growth beyond Kolkata and foster regional development in northern parts of the state.
🌍 International Convention Centre for Siliguri
One of the major highlights of the announcement is the international convention centre planned for Siliguri. The project is being envisioned to strengthen Siliguri’s role as a regional business hub, drawing in conferences, trade exhibitions, and business meets from across the eastern region.
According to Mamata Banerjee, the convention centre will feature a hotel complex similar to those found in Kolkata and Digha, to accommodate visiting delegates and business travellers. A core group led by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant will oversee the planning and execution of the project.
📍Land Identified for the Project
The state government has already earmarked 10 acres of land for the convention centre. Noted urban planner Goutam Deb has assisted in land identification. The site is near Uttarayan, a rapidly developing zone. While another plot near Bagdogra Airport was considered, its 4-acre area was deemed insufficient for the scale of the project.
The involvement of prominent industrialists and developers like Harsh Neotia (Ambuja Neotia Group), Rudra Chatterjee (Luxmi Group), and Satyam Roychowdhury (Techno India Group) in the advisory panel also adds substantial credibility and momentum to the project.
🖥️ Webel IT Park: AI-Enabled Data Centre for North Bengal
Another significant announcement was the setting up of a Webel IT Park in North Bengal, with an estimated investment of ₹100 crore. This facility will not only provide a workspace for tech companies but also host the first AI-enabled data centre cluster in North Bengal.
This marks a technological leap for the region and aligns with India’s broader digital transformation agenda. The park is expected to attract software firms, AI startups, and data processing companies, generating significant employment and digital infrastructure for the region.
🏭 Four New Industrial Parks for MSMEs
To boost the MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector, Mamata Banerjee also announced the creation of four industrial parks across North Bengal. These parks will be developed by the West Bengal Small Industries Development Corporation (WBSIDC) with a combined investment of ₹80 crore.
Key facts:
- Total Area: 123.8 acres
- Employment Potential: Over 5,000 jobs
- Target Sector: MSMEs in manufacturing, logistics, textiles, and more
These industrial parks will provide the infrastructure and support required for small businesses to thrive, helping boost local economies and reduce migration to metros.
🙏 Infrastructure for Religious Tourism: Skywalk at Jalpeswar Temple
In a move to promote religious tourism, the CM inaugurated a new skywalk at Jalpeswar Shiva Temple in Jalpaiguri. This is the third such skywalk in West Bengal, following successful installations in Kalighat and Dakshineswar.
This skywalk is expected to:
- Enhance safety and convenience for pilgrims
- Boost temple tourism
- Create additional local jobs in services and hospitality
Mamata Banerjee also announced six new Volvo bus routes connecting North Bengal districts to Digha, facilitating smooth travel for tourists heading to the seaside town.
🏨 5-Star Hotel Near Bagdogra Airport
In a push to improve tourism and business infrastructure, CM Banerjee also proposed a 5-star hotel near Bagdogra Airport. The site, previously considered for the convention centre, will now be repurposed to accommodate high-end tourists and business delegates.
This move is expected to cater to:
- Corporate travellers
- Tourists visiting North Bengal, Sikkim, Bhutan
- International flyers using Bagdogra as a transit point
🔌 Power, Trade, and Investment Updates
CM Banerjee also addressed concerns over electricity charges in industrial zones and asked municipalities to prevent excessive surcharges under trade license fees.
Key highlights:
- Power Demand in North Bengal: Increased from 840 MW to 3,500 MW
- Investment Proposal: ₹9,000 crore worth of industrial proposals for North Bengal
- Darjeeling Hotel Investment: ₹1,175 crore for 15 new hotels
These figures underscore North Bengal’s emergence as a promising destination for both industrial and tourism-led investments.
🏙️ Siliguri’s Urban Expansion Plan
Alongside these projects, the CM instructed Siliguri Municipal Corporation and Mayor Goutam Deb to draw up a comprehensive urban expansion plan to accommodate the upcoming infrastructure and population influx.
With roads, utilities, and civic services set for overhaul, Siliguri is expected to see a transformation in the next 3–5 years.
📌 Conclusion: A New Era for Siliguri and North Bengal
The announcements made by CM Mamata Banerjee at the North Bengal Business Meet 2025 represent a turning point for Siliguri and its surrounding districts. From IT and industry to tourism and urban planning, these initiatives are geared toward building a modern, connected, and self-sufficient regional economy.
Siliguri is no longer just a transit point to the hills—it’s poised to become a major business, tech, and tourism hub in Eastern India.
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