Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced plans to transform Siliguri into a global tourism and spiritual destination, promising that the city will no longer be just a transit point.
Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Mahakal Temple in Matigara, CM Banerjee said the temple, named ‘Mahakal Mahatirtha’, will be built on 17.41 acres of land and feature a 216-feet-tall Mahakal idol, making it one of the largest Shiva temples in the world.
The complex will will be managed by a trust board and include a museum, cultural hall, and replicas of the 12 Jyotirlingas, with two pradakshin routes and four deities in the four corners– Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartik, Lord Shakti, and Lord Vishnu.
“We have named this Shiv Temple ‘Mahakal Mahatirtha.’ Along with the main temple, we are building the world’s tallest Mahakal idol. This idol will be 216 feet tall. The main idol, made of bronze, will be 108 feet tall. This temple will become an international tourism destination, just like Jagannath Dham and Durga Angan. Land has already been allocated and tender has been floated. Land filling will start immediately. It will take 2 to 2.5 years. It will be built in the centre of Siliguri in Matigara’s Laxmi Township area on 17.41 acres of land. One lakh people can come here every day,” Mamata Banerjee said.
“There will be two sabha mandaps on two sides. 6,000 people can be accommodated at once. Through Fresco painting and stone art, the legends of Mahakal will be depicted. Rudraksh Kund and Amrit Kund will also be there. Pilgrims can take the sacred Abhishek water. Inside the complex, we will also have Prasad distribution centre, souvenir arcade, cafeteria, dala complex and residence complex for the priests…,” she added.
Stating that the temple complex would unite the spiritual legacy of the plains of Bengal to that of its hills, owing to the preexisting Mahakal temple in Darjeeling, Banerjee said the project would revitalise religious tourism in the region.
“In line with the Jagannath Dham complex in Digha, built at a cost of Rs 30 crore and which has already witnessed a pilgrim footfall of 1.25 crore, and the 17.18-acre Durga Angan complex in New Town, the Mahakal temple will become an international tourism destination. Siliguri will no longer be a transit point; it will become a tourism hub, uniting faith, pilgrimage, business and employment,” she said.
Outlining a vision for Siliguri’s development, Banerjee said, “We will make Siliguri a hub for business and tourism. We are ready to give land free of cost to any interested private party for building an international convention centre here. In the coming days, this will become a hub for business,” Mamata Banerjee said.
The project, estimated to cost ₹344.2 crore, is expected to boost local employment and economic growth, with the state government allocating land and resources for the project.
The Chief Minister also launched several initiatives in North Bengal, focusing on connectivity, education, and tourism. 37 new buses in North Bengal, including 31 eco-friendly CNG buses and 6 luxury sleeper Volvos, will enhance transportation in the region. In a major boost for tourism, 12 volvo buses will now provide a direct link between the North Bengal hills and the coastal town of Digha.
The foundation stone was laid for a new Eklavya Model School building in Kalimpong, furthering the educational reach for the region’s youth.
CM Mamata Banerjee announced initiatives to support tea garden workers, calling them the backbone of the region. The initiatives include providing land pattas and financial assistance under the Chaa Sundari housing scheme, inaugurating creches and new ambulances for garden workers, and launching dedicated school buses (Chaa Sathi) for their children. “We’ve given land and assistance, and now we’ll provide Chaa Sathi school buses for your kids,” she promised, ensuring local communities benefit from Siliguri’s growth into an international destination.