Bengal unveils eco-friendly tourism projects in North Bengal
Times of India | 24 July 2026
Kolkata: North Bengal is set for a major tourism infrastructure push, with the state govt announcing plans to build eco-friendly container homes at Sandakphu and establish a network of 100 tourism information centres across the region.
Presenting his department’s budget in the assembly on Thursday, North Bengal Development minister Nisith Pramanik said 10 boutique container homes would be constructed at Sandakphu, the highest point in Bengal and a popular trekking destination. The project aims to promote sustainable tourism without disturbing the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
“The boutique container homestay will be ready by Jan. We are currently preparing the detailed project report. We do not want brick-and-mortar structures at Sandakphu because of the ecological sensitivity of the Eastern Himalayas,” Pramanik later told TOI. He said one of the containers would be developed as a cafe-cum-restaurant serving traditional tribal cuisine, operated by local self-help groups (SHGs) to create livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The minister also announced that 100 tourism information centres would be set up across Darjeeling and the Dooars. Each centre will offer tourist information, short-stay accommodation, regional handicrafts and a food plaza under one roof. Pramanik said the initiative is intended to modernise North Bengal’s tourism sector, attract younger travellers, generate employment and boost the local economy.
Beyond tourism, the department is working with the Centre to establish five integrated land port stations in North Bengal — one each along the India-Nepal and India-Bhutan borders, and three along the India-Bangladesh border — to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border trade.
The finance department has allocated Rs 5,017.3 crore to the North Bengal Development Department for the current financial year. Pramanik said the budget marks the first time that district-wise fund allocation has been undertaken, enabling more targeted development planning across North Bengal.