Industry leaders welcome West Bengal Budget’s thrust on infrastructure, land reform and health

Prominent industry leaders of West Bengal on Monday (June 22, 2026) welcomed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s first budget in the state presented by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta and appreciated its emphasis on industry, revision of land ceiling, infrastructure and health.

Mehul Mohanka, chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry Eastern Region, called it a “prospective blueprint for infrastructure-based growth and industrial competitiveness”, adding that litigation-free land is essential for large investments.

“The focus on metro expansion, including studies for new metro projects in Durgapur, Asansol and Siliguri, is a welcome move as improved urban mobility will boost labor movement, ease congestion and boost productivity in key industrial hubs,” Mohanka said.

In the budget, Mr. Dasgupta proposed a deep-water port at Dadanpatrabar in Purba Medinipur on a public-private basis, a greenfield airport on 1,000-1,500 acres near Kalyani to ease congestion at the Kolkata airport, and a feasibility study for a metro link between Durgapur–Asansol and Siliguri–Jalpa.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group said what is particularly encouraging about this budget is that it looks at growth as an ecosystem rather than a collection of individual initiatives.

“Investments in regional connectivity through new airports and infrastructure, a focus on education and health capacity, proposed industrial development initiatives and an emphasis on job creation together have the potential to expand economic activity far beyond the state’s traditional growth centers,” he said.

Taranjit Singh, Eastern Region President of ASSOCHAM (Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India) welcomed the first budget of the new state government and appreciated its emphasis on setting a clear plan to accelerate economic growth through infrastructure development, better revenue mobilization and better public service delivery. “The Finance Minister’s statement on the state’s development agenda in line with the Viksit Bharat vision reflects a constructive approach to promote inclusive and sustainable growth,” Mr. Singh said.

Priti A. Sureka, President of the Chamber of Commerce, said the budget provides a prescription for all development with a focus on the holistic growth of West Bengal. Ms. Sureka highlighted the establishment of a Tea employee development board, an IT center and a semiconductor unit at Durgapur and emphasis on electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.

Another decision in the budget that grabbed industry headlines was the decision to revisit the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act 1976.

Mahesh Agarwal, Managing Director, Purti Realty, said the decision to explore the Urban Land Ceiling Act (ULCA) framework is a positive development and a hands-on review of existing land regulations can enable more efficient use of land, aid planned urban growth and improve the business environment.

“The emphasis on continued investment in urban infrastructure such as the proposed Chingrighata-New Town elevated corridor is very encouraging. New Town has firmly established itself as a key commercial and residential hub in Eastern India and improved connectivity will enhance its attractiveness for investment…,” he said

The focus on North Bengal in the budget was lauded by Rudra Chatterjee, vice-chairman, CII Eastern Region, who said the budget also provides an opportunity for the tea industry to build a more sustainable value chain by promoting better processing, packaging, branding and value addition closer to the gardens. Mr. Chatterjee appreciated the announcement of proposing one IIT and one IIM in the region.

Anurag Choudhary, CMD and CEO, Himadri Specialty Chemical Ltd said that the West Bengal government’s focus on AI and emerging technologies is a promising step that can help position West Bengal as a hub for innovation and digital transformation.

In healthcare, the Budget earmarked ₹3,100 crore for Ayushman Bharat to cover about seven million people and proposed AIIMS and North Bengal Cancer Hospital, super specialty hospitals in Sundarbans, Purulia and Darjeeling.

Rupak Barua, Chairman, CII West Bengal State Council and Managing Director and CEO, Woodlands Hospital, noted that the proposed allocation of ₹3,100 crore for Ayushman Bharat signals a strong commitment to expand affordable health coverage for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and frontline workers.

Namit Bajoria, Managing Director, Kutchina Home Makers Pvt. Ltd said consumer-oriented sectors such as kitchen solutions and home appliances demand is closely linked to urbanisation, housing growth and rising incomes, and the new government’s first budget is encouraging, particularly in its focus on industrial growth.

Published – 23 Jun 2026 03:39 IST