BY DEBASHREE CHAKRABORTY
KOLKATA | 5 SEPTEMBER 2026
In a major push to revitalize West Bengal’s tourism sector, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a Rs.500-crore investment for infrastructure development and unveiled a fresh brand identity for the state. The announcements were made on Friday during the official launch ceremony of the Tourism Department’s new logo at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Alipore.
The state’s new tourism campaign centers around the tagline “West Bengal — Where India Feels Different,” alongside the theme “See it in a new form, see it through new eyes” (Dekhbo Natun Rupe, Dekhbo Natun Chokhe). The new identity replaces the previous administration’s “Biswa Bangla” branding.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Adhikari lamented the decline of what was once popularly known as “Destination West Bengal.” He remarked that years of neglecting the state’s natural beauty, animal resources, and core infrastructure allowed other states to surge ahead.
“Even though tourists travel via Darjeeling, Kalimpong, or Kurseong, their final destination is mostly Gangtok,” Adhikari noted, highlighting the need to rectify the current imbalance in regional tourist flows.
To turn the tide, the Chief Minister confirmed that the Rs. 500-crore budgetary allocation will be specifically utilized to upgrade infrastructure, modernize all state-run tourist lodges, and significantly augment manpower within the department. Additionally, the state plans to boost water tourism by introducing 11 new pleasure cruise vessels on the Ganges and establishing a Kolkata Water Metro project modeled after Kochi Water Metro Project in Kerala.
State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh was also present at the event, stating that the department has embarked on a global outreach strategy under the vision “Born to lead, ready to rise.”
The West Bengal government is launching a major overhaul of its tourism infrastructure, including the comprehensive renovation of government lodges across popular destinations like Mukutmanipur, Digha, Bakkhali, the Dooars, and Darjeeling. Highlighting the nostalgia behind the initiative, the Chief Minister noted that middle-class Bengalis historically cherished spending their vacations in these quaint forest department cottages. To elevate the visitor experience, the upgraded guest houses will feature new amenities tailored to traditional leisure preferences, including children’s parks, walking paths, and dedicated spaces designed for relaxing, drinking tea, and watching the sunrise.
Simultaneously, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari announced a series of major transport and environmental initiatives. Following a decision made alongside the Railway Minister, Kolkata is set to become the second city in India—after Kochi, Kerala—to introduce a ‘Water Metro’ service along the Hooghly (Ganga) River. Furthermore, 11 new boats will be deployed from Babughat to Gangasagar to serve dual purposes in tourism and disaster management.
These coastal connectivity upgrades coincide with the launch of the ‘Destination Sundarbans’ program. To restore and protect the region’s delicate ecosystem, the state is partnering with the Indian Oil Corporation to plant 20 lakh mangrove saplings. Additionally, wildlife tourism is receiving a major boost, with the initial process underway to reintroduce tigers into the Buxa Tiger Reserve on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2).
The event saw the distinct presence of Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, Minister of State Purnima Chakraborty, Principal Advisor of CM and retired IAS officer , Dr. Subrata Gupta and representatives from several international consulates. During the proceedings, Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari requested foreign delegates to actively encourage tourists from their respective nations to visit West Bengal. Furthermore, the Chief Minister endorsed a proposal by the Tourism Minister regarding cultural attire, stating that inviting travelers to wear traditional garments on holidays—specifically the day prior to and the day of their site visits—will significantly enrich and expand the state’s tourism sector.
West Bengal has won central government approval to build two world-class tourism spots instead of one under the “One State, One Global Destination” plan. State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh shared this update.
The Two Global Destinations:
- Darjeeling: Chosen as the first primary world-class destination.
- Sundarbans: Likely chosen as the second destination, known as the world’s largest delta and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
State Tourism Plans:
- Hotel Investments: New rules to attract big hotel brands.
- River Tourism: Eco-friendly travel on local rivers.
- Brand Bengal: A new push to put the state on the global tourism map.
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