Digha temple boom: E-auction keeps base price a notch below 20 cr/acre
Times of India | 13 February 2026
Kolkata: Less than a year after the inauguration of Jagannath Dham in Digha, which led to an unprecedented economic surge, the state govt is now on fast-track plans for further commercial expansion—more hotels and commercial establishments—at the seaside town.
According to sources, since April last year, when the temple opened to the public, Digha's local economy generated over Rs 100 crore in just over 6 months—nearly double the Rs 50–60 crore recorded in the previous year.
Industry estimates suggest the figure could cross Rs 150 crore by March 2026, marking a nearly 200% rise within a single fiscal year.
The West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO) announced plans to e-auction two bulk land parcels — measuring 6.8 acres and 2.2 acres — at mouza Paschim Gadadharpur in Digha. The plots will be offered on a freehold basis for hotel and commercial development. The base prices were fixed at Rs 123.9 crore and Rs 41.2 crore, respectively, with e-auctions scheduled for March 18.
Officials said the parcels are located around 400 metres from the shoreline. Successful bidders will therefore be required to obtain Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance before commencing construction.
"Building norms, including floor area ratio and ground coverage, will follow the existing rules of the Digha Sankarpur Development Authority (DSDA) and the Land Use Development and Control Plan (LUDCP)," an official said.
Prospective bidders may also propose fragmentation of the bulk plots into smaller parcels to allow more flexible bidding and development formats.
Authorities laid down strict timelines: construction must begin within 12 months of land allotment—extendable up to 2 years—and be completed within 5 years from the date of possession. Jagannath Dham trustee and chief priest Radharamn Das welcomed the commercial push.
"In recent months, several international devotees returned to Kolkata after visiting the temple due to limited high-end accommodation options. World-class hotels and commercial establishments will encourage them to stay back," Das said.
According to temple officials, Digha evolved from a seasonal beach destination into a year-round pilgrimage hub. International devotees—particularly followers of ISKCON—from Europe, the Americas, Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia now routinely include Digha in their travel circuit."Jan to March is the peak time for international visitors," said Das.
Thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities opened up for local youth, said Bipradas Chakraborty of Digha Sankarpur Hoteliers Association.