INR 500 Crore Tourism Makeover: West Bengal Bets Big On Infrastructure

West Bengal is setting its sights on a tourism reset, with the state government allocating INR 500 crore in 2026–27 to upgrade infrastructure and make its destinations more accessible to both domestic and international travellers. The announcement comes as the state looks to strengthen its tourism offering beyond its better-known destinations and make greater use of its natural and cultural assets.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the allocation while unveiling the new logo of the state tourism department at an event at Dhana Dhanya Auditorium in Kolkata. Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh and Industry Minister Tapas Roy were also present. The proposed investment will cover upgrades to tourist infrastructure, including accommodation and connectivity, while efforts are also being made to develop new experiences across the state.

Revamping Tourist Infrastructure

Several government-run tourist lodges are set for renovation, including properties in Bakkhali, Terai, the Dooars, Lataguri, Darjeeling, Alipurduar and Chalsa. The upgrades are expected to improve the quality of accommodation in destinations that form an important part of West Bengal’s tourism circuit, from the Himalayan foothills and tea country to forests and coastal retreats.

The government is also looking to make it easier for travellers to explore the state’s waterways. Plans are under way to procure at least 11 boats for tourist services connecting destinations such as the Sunderbans and Ganga Sagar. The state is also exploring the feasibility of vessel connectivity between Babughat and Ganga Sagar, while a water metro on the Hooghly is being considered as another addition to the tourism and transport network.

From Hills To Coast

North Bengal is another major focus of the tourism push, particularly wildlife tourism. The state has announced plans to introduce tigers at Buxa Tiger Reserve on October 2, an initiative that could strengthen the reserve’s profile as a wildlife destination while adding another draw to the region’s already diverse tourism offering.

The government is also turning its attention to the coast, with plans to develop Mandarmani as a major beach destination. Alongside this, Bakkhali and Ganga Sagar remain part of the state’s broader coastal tourism circuit. The strategy signals an effort to spread visitor interest across different parts of Bengal rather than concentrating it around a handful of established destinations.

Protecting Bengal’s Nature

The tourism makeover is also being linked to conservation, particularly in the Sunderbans. The state plans to plant 20 lakh mangroves in the region, with the dual aim of strengthening its natural defences against disasters and protecting its biodiversity. The government hopes conservation efforts can also reinforce the Sunderbans’ identity as a distinctive tourism destination.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of growing competition among Indian states for domestic and international visitors. Bengal’s tourism landscape already spans the Himalayas, forests, mangroves, rivers, beaches, heritage sites and cultural attractions. With INR 500 crore earmarked for infrastructure and a renewed focus on connectivity, accommodation, wildlife and conservation, the state is looking to turn that diversity into a more cohesive tourism proposition.

For travellers, the changes could mean better access to some of Bengal’s lesser-explored corners, alongside improved facilities at familiar favourites. The larger ambition is clear: make West Bengal not just a state travellers pass through on the way to the eastern Himalayas, but a destination worth building an itinerary around.

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