Industry leaders hail West Bengal Budget’s push on infrastructure, land reform and health

Prominent industry leaders of West Bengal on Monday (June 22, 2026) welcomed the first budget of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the State presented by Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta, lauding its emphasis on industry, reconsidering land ceiling, infrastructure and healthcare.Mehul Mohanka, chairman, Confederation of Indian Industry Eastern Region, called it “a forward-looking roadmap for infrastructure-led growth and industrial competitiveness,” adding that litigation-free land was critical to large investments.“The emphasis on metro rail expansion, including studies for new metro rail projects in Durgapur, Asansol and Siliguri, is a welcome step, as improved urban mobility will support workforce movement, ease congestion and strengthen productivity in key industrial centres,” Mr. Mohanka said.Mr. Dasgupta in the budget proposed deep-sea port at Dadanpatrabar in Purba Medinipur on a public-private basis, a greenfield airport on 1,000–1,500 acres near Kalyani to ease congestion at Kolkata airport, and a feasibility study for metro links between Durgapur–Asansol and Siliguri–Jalpaiguri.Harshavardhan Neotia, chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group said that what is particularly encouraging about this Budget is that it looks at growth as an ecosystem rather than a collection of individual initiatives.“Investments in regional connectivity through new airports and infrastructure, the focus on education and healthcare capacity, the proposed industrial development initiatives, and the emphasis on employment generation together have the potential to expand economic activity well beyond the traditional growth centres of the State,” he said.Taranjit Singh, chairman, ASSOCHAM (The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) Eastern Region, welcomed the first Budget of the new State government and appreciated its emphasis on laying a clear roadmap for accelerating economic growth through infrastructure development, enhanced revenue mobilisation, and improved public service delivery. “The Finance Minister’s articulation of the State’s development agenda in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat reflects a constructive approach towards fostering inclusive and sustainable growth” Mr. Singh said.Priti A. Sureka, president Merchant Chamber of Commerce said that the budget provides a prescription for all around development with focus on holistic growth of West Bengal. Ms. Sureka highlighted the setting up of Tea workers development board, IT hub and a semiconductor unit at Durgapur and emphasis laid on electric vehicles and renewable energy.Another decision in the budget that caught support of the industry captions was the decision to re-examine the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976.Mahesh Agarwal, managing director, Purti Realty said that decision to examine the Urban Land Ceiling Act (ULCA) framework is a positive development and a practical assessment of existing land regulations can enable more effective land use, assist planned urban growth, and enhance the business environment.“The emphasis on ongoing investment in city infrastructure, such as the proposed Chingrighata–New Town elevated corridor, is very encouraging. New Town has firmly positioned itself as a key business and residential centre in Eastern India, and improved connectivity will strengthen its attractiveness for investment..,” he saidThe North Bengal focus in the budget was lauded by Rudra Chatterjee, deputy chairman, CII Eastern Region, who said that for the tea industry, the Budget also provides an opportunity to build a more sustainable value chain by encouraging greater processing, packaging, branding and value addition closer to the gardens. Mr. Chatterjee lauded the announcement of proposing one IIT and one IIM in the region.Anurag Choudhary, CMD and CEO of Himadri Speciality Chemical Ltd said that the West Bengal government’s focus on AI and emerging technologies is a forward-looking step that can help position West Bengal as a hub fo