West Bengal Budget: Industry Leaders Applaud Infrastructure, Land Reforms, Health Focus

Industry leaders in West Bengal on Monday welcomed the first budget of the state's new government, presented by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta. The budget emphasises infrastructure development, land reform, and healthcare expansion, according to statements from various business chambers.

Mehul Mohanka, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region, described the budget as “a forward-looking roadmap for infrastructure-led growth and industrial competitiveness.” He noted that litigation-free land is critical for large investments. The budget proposes metro rail expansion studies in Durgapur, Asansol, and Siliguri, which Mr. Mohanka said would improve urban mobility and productivity.

The finance minister announced a deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar in Purba Medinipur on a public-private basis, a greenfield airport near Kalyani to ease congestion at Kolkata airport, and feasibility studies for metro links between Durgapur–Asansol and Siliguri–Jalpaiguri.

Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman of Ambuja Neotia Group, said the budget treats growth as an ecosystem. He highlighted investments in regional connectivity, education, healthcare, industrial development, and employment generation as steps that could expand economic activity beyond traditional growth centres.

Taranjit Singh, chairman of ASSOCHAM Eastern Region, welcomed the budget’s roadmap for accelerating economic growth through infrastructure, revenue mobilisation, and public service delivery. He noted that the state's development agenda aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision.

Priti A. Sureka, president of the Merchant Chamber of Commerce, said the budget provides a prescription for holistic development. She pointed to the establishment of a Tea Workers Development Board, an IT hub and semiconductor unit in Durgapur, and emphasis on electric vehicles and renewable energy.

A key proposal is the re-examination of the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976. Mahesh Agarwal, managing director of Purti Realty, said this move could enable more effective land use, assist planned urban growth, and enhance the business environment. He also noted the proposed Chingrighata–New Town elevated corridor would strengthen connectivity for New Town, a key business and residential centre.

Rudra Chatterjee, deputy chairman of CII Eastern Region, praised the budget’s focus on North Bengal. He said the tea industry could benefit from greater processing, packaging, branding, and value addition near gardens. The budget also proposes one IIT and one IIM in the region.

On healthcare, the budget allocates ₹3,100 crore for Ayushman Bharat, expected to cover about seven crore people. It also proposes an AIIMS and a cancer hospital in North Bengal, along with a super-specialty hospital.