February 02 (TSP Bangla) – The Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday, did not include a special financial package exclusively for West Bengal. However, it announced three major infrastructure corridors across different regions of the poll-bound state, with a focus on strengthening connectivity and supporting key industries such as textiles and tourism.
Beyond these projects, West Bengal is also expected to gain from several nationwide schemes unveiled in the Budget, which could provide long-term economic benefits to the state.
The Telegraph decodes the Bengal highlights in the budget.
Dankuni-Surat freight corridor: Multiple sources said the freight corridor connecting Dankuni in south Bengal with Surat in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state, is the most significant among the three major projects announced for poll-bound Bengal.
The scheme is expected to make 20 new National Highways operational over the next five years, significantly improving road connectivity across regions.
A key highlight is the proposed East–West dedicated freight corridor linking Surat in Gujarat with Dankuni in West Bengal. The corridor is designed to strengthen trade ties between Gujarat’s textile hub and eastern India, particularly Bengal.
Amid political instability in Bangladesh, the Centre has stepped up efforts to expand India’s textile industry. In this context, several weaving clusters in south Bengal — including Hooghly, Nadia and East Burdwan — are likely to benefit. Over the years, small-scale textile units have also grown in Kolkata and neighbouring districts such as Howrah.
By connecting the western and eastern ends of the country, the freight corridor is expected to ease the movement of goods, lower logistics and transportation costs, and boost competitiveness for Bengal’s weavers as well as entrepreneurs in other manufacturing sectors.
A BJP leader indicated that, with Assembly elections approaching, the project could also help the party strengthen its appeal among voters in south Bengal.
Durgapur to Join East Coast Industrial Corridor
Durgapur, long regarded as one of Bengal’s key industrial centres, has been included in the proposed East Coast Industrial Corridor. An industrial node is planned in the city, aimed at strengthening its manufacturing base and improving connectivity. As part of the project, Durgapur will have direct links with Visakhapatnam, a major port city on the eastern coast.
A source noted that Durgapur’s industrial foundations were laid in the 1950s under the leadership of former chief minister Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, who envisioned it as a major industrial hub.
Economist and BJP MLA from Balurghat, Ashok Lahiri, underlined the strategic importance of the corridor. He said Durgapur already benefits from strong rail and road connectivity, and its proximity to two rivers further enhances its potential for industrial expansion.
“Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy had chosen the area for industrial development. Making Durgapur a key node would be a tribute to his vision. Durgapur is very important because of its strategic location for industries,” Lahiri said.
High-Speed Rail Corridor Between Siliguri and Varanasi
The proposed high-speed rail corridor linking Siliguri in north Bengal with Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency — is expected to significantly strengthen connectivity between north and eastern India.
According to sources, the project may take time to be completed, but it is expected to give a major push to tourism once operational. Better rail connectivity could increase tourist flow between north India and north Bengal.
In the long term, the corridor is also likely to benefit popular destinations such as Darjeeling and the Dooars, while improving access to tourist spots across the Northeast.
Other Announcements Likely to Benefit Bengal
Apart from the three major infrastructure projects, West Bengal is expected to gain from several nationwide schemes announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Among them is the Mahatma Gandhi Gram Swaraj scheme, which focuses on promoting the handloom and handicrafts sectors. Given Bengal’s strong network of weaving clusters spread across multiple districts, the state is likely to benefit substantially from this initiative.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said: “The government has taken multiple measures to boost the handloom and textile industries, especially after similar industries in Bangladesh faced difficulties due to political turmoil. These initiatives will benefit the people of Bengal.”
The three Metro railway lines in Bengal i.e. Green, Purple and Orange, have been allocated over ₹2,000 crore in the Budget for expansion and infrastructure upgrades, providing a further push to urban connectivity.
The Centre has also proposed supporting states in developing university townships near major industrial and logistics corridors. In the long term, this initiative could benefit cities such as Durgapur, especially with its planned industrial node under the East Coast Industrial Corridor.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced plans to set up girls’ hostels in every district, a move that is expected to benefit Bengal as well.
Under the Purvodaya scheme aimed at accelerating development in eastern India, five tourism destinations will be developed across Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The government will also introduce 4,000 e-buses under the initiative. Bengal is likely to gain from both the tourism push and the expansion of electric public transport.
