West Bengal Plans Six-Month Roadmap to Transform Hill Tourism and Digital Infrastructure
The West Bengal government has outlined a six-month roadmap to transform hill tourism across North Bengal, focusing on digitalisation, tourism infrastructure, heritage conservation and improved visitor experiences. The initiative aims to strengthen Darjeeling's global tourism appeal while promoting lesser-known destinations across the region.
The development plan covers Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Kurseong, Dudhia and Mungpoo, with measures to address traffic congestion, improve waste management and create more opportunities for tourism-led economic growth.
Digital Tourism to Improve Visitor Experience
Digitalisation is a key component of the state's tourism transformation plan. The Darjeeling district administration has developed a Digital Tourism App that provides visitors with information about heritage sites, offbeat destinations and essential travel details.
Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said the initiative would help improve tourist convenience and promote destinations beyond Darjeeling's popular attractions. The government plans to extend this digital model to other districts across West Bengal.
The Tourism Department is also revamping its official website to make tourism-related information more accessible.
Five Ropeways Under Review to Ease Hill Traffic
Traffic congestion remains a major challenge for hill tourism. To address the issue, the government is reviewing plans for five new ropeway projects in the initial phase.
The proposed projects aim to improve tourist mobility and support more sustainable transportation across the hills.
Online Homestay Registration and New Tourism Policies
The state is planning significant changes to its homestay framework to improve tourist safety, transparency and regulatory compliance.
Police have been instructed to compile a comprehensive list of registered and unregistered homestays in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. Homestay registration, renewals and government applications are also being shifted to an online platform to simplify administrative procedures.
The new homestay policy and tourism industry policy, recently approved by the state cabinet, are expected to be unveiled shortly.
Heritage Conservation and Adventure Tourism
The roadmap also focuses on preserving North Bengal's cultural heritage and diversifying its tourism offerings. Important sites identified for conservation include the Mahakal Temple, the Kali Temple at Sevoke, the old bungalow at Kalijhora and the Mungpoo bungalow associated with Rabindranath Tagore.
The government is also planning tourism events and activities such as traditional tea festivals, vintage car rallies, walkathons, river rafting and paragliding to attract a wider range of visitors.
₹57 Crore Allocation to Support Hill Tourism
According to the Tourism Department, a central allocation of ₹57 crore will support efforts to revitalise the hill economy. The department also plans to leverage its land and assets to strengthen tourism infrastructure and generate economic opportunities.
The initiatives are expected to create employment, support local businesses and increase tourism-related revenue across North Bengal.
With digital services, proposed ropeway projects, improved homestay regulation and heritage-focused tourism, West Bengal aims to develop a more accessible and diversified tourism ecosystem across its northern hills.
The success of the six-month roadmap will depend on effective implementation, infrastructure development and the ability to bring lesser-known destinations into the wider domestic and international tourism market.