A business summit titled “North Bengal Realty Reimagined 2026”, organised by the north Bengal chapter of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Siliguri on Friday, brought together developers, architects, consultants, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to discuss the region’s changing urban and infrastructure landscape.
Stakeholders at the real estate and infrastructure summit said rapid infrastructure development, improved connectivity and rising commercial activities were steadily transforming north Bengal into a major urban growth corridor.
The discussions focused on the expansion of Siliguri and surrounding areas, the growing demand for organised housing and commercial spaces, and the need for planned infrastructure to support future growth.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, who attended the summit, said north Bengal was witnessing rapid economic and infrastructural growth because of better road connectivity, increasing tourism and expanding trade opportunities.
“The ring road project in Siliguri will be launched soon. To reduce traffic congestion on the Siliguri-Darjeeling route, an alternative road through Balason will also be constructed. The issue related to eco-sensitive zones in and around Siliguri is expected to be resolved soon, which may bring relief to landowners, builders and developers,” he said.
For several years, there has been a demand for a ring road to ease traffic congestion in Siliguri. Residents and stakeholders have also been seeking an alternative route to Darjeeling apart from NH110, which currently connects the hills with the plains.
Representatives from the real estate sector said infrastructure projects and connectivity upgrades over the past few years had significantly changed the growth pattern of Siliguri and nearby regions.
“The expansion of highways, improved transport links and increasing investments in hospitality and commercial infrastructure have emerged as key drivers of urbanisation. There is also a growing demand for integrated townships, sustainable construction and planned urban development in emerging cities of north Bengal,” said a realtor present at the summit.
The realtor added that Siliguri had evolved into an important commercial hub connecting neighbouring states and bordering countries, increasing the need for modern residential and commercial infrastructure.
Harsh Berlia, chairman of the north Bengal chapter of the ICC, said the region was going through a transformative phase in infrastructure and urban growth, creating new opportunities for the real estate sector.
“This summit aims to create a platform where industry stakeholders can exchange ideas and discuss sustainable and future-ready development models,” he said.
Sahil Chaudhary, a member of the organising committee, said north Bengal had traditionally been known for tea, timber and tourism.
“However, the region is now witnessing a broader transformation driven by infrastructure, hospitality, commerce and connectivity,” he said.
