Kolkata, 23 July (H.S.): The West Bengal government will establish 100 modern Tourist Information Centres (TICs) across the eight districts of North Bengal to strengthen tourism infrastructure and provide comprehensive visitor services at a single location, North Bengal Development Minister Nishith Pramanik announced in the State Assembly on Thursday.

Replying to the debate on the department's Budget, Pramanik said the centres would be developed across major tourist destinations, including Darjeeling and the Dooars, to offer visitors information on tourist attractions, transportation, accommodation and other essential services.

He said each district in North Bengal would have at least eight Tourist Information Centres, while the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the project are currently being prepared.

Later, speaking to reporters at the Assembly, the minister said each centre would be housed in a two-storey building. The ground floor will accommodate the tourist information facility along with separate modern washrooms for men and women. The first floor will feature a cafeteria, while the rooftop will include seating arrangements and homestay-style accommodation, allowing tourists to stay overnight if required. The buildings will also incorporate rainwater harvesting systems.

Pramanik said most of the centres would be located in the Dooars and forest regions, where tourist footfall is the highest. Some facilities will also be established along remote forest routes where hotels, restaurants and other amenities are currently unavailable, ensuring travellers have access to essential services.

Grand Gateway Planned on Assam–North Bengal Border

The minister also announced that a grand gateway showcasing the culture and heritage of West Bengal will be constructed at Baxirhat, on the Assam–North Bengal border, during the current financial year to welcome visitors entering the state.

₹1,800 Crore Allocated for North Bengal Development

Pramanik said the state government has earmarked a record ₹1,800 crore for the North Bengal Development Department in its first Budget, aimed at boosting tourism, infrastructure and overall regional development. He also accused the previous Trinamool Congress government of neglecting North Bengal for nearly 15 years.

122 Agencies Blacklisted Over Alleged Irregularities

The minister said the department had launched a drive against alleged corruption and irregularities following directions from Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. As part of the exercise, 122 contractor agencies have been issued show-cause notices and blacklisted for alleged violations in projects executed under the North Bengal Development Department.

Pramanik claimed the department had earlier become a hub of corruption, but strict action was now being taken to ensure that agencies involved in irregularities would not receive future contracts. He also said efforts were underway to ensure that budgetary allocations are fully utilised within the stipulated timeframe.

Equal Development Across All Districts

The minister further said that the current Budget provides separate development allocations for every district and each Assembly constituency in North Bengal. He stressed that the government's objective is to ensure balanced development across the region rather than focusing on a few select districts.

Appealing for cooperation from legislators across party lines, Pramanik said the government was committed to North Bengal's development beyond political differences and that the department's doors would remain open to all public representatives.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh