Kolkata: West Bengal is planning a major tourism development project along its coastline to attract more visitors and create employment opportunities. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced plans to develop a 27-km coastal tourism hub in Purba Medinipur, offer a ₹5 lakh subsidy for new homestays and introduce helicopter services to Digha.
The initiative also includes better facilities for tourists, improved safety for fishermen and coastal development projects.
Details of West Bengal Coastal Tourism Project
The West Bengal government aims to transform its coastal areas into attractive tourist destinations. The proposed project will cover a 27-km coastline between Talpati and Udaypur in Purba Medinipur district.
The government wants to develop several new tourist spots along this coastal stretch. The initiative will focus on affordable family holidays, local employment and better tourism facilities.
According to the announcement, the development work will extend from Soula Beach towards Mandarmani and up to Petua.
The government also plans to involve several departments, including tourism, forests, irrigation, waterways, public works, transport and environment, to prepare a detailed development roadmap.
West Bengal Coastal Tourism Project: ₹5 Lakh Subsidy For New Homestays In West Bengal
One of the major announcements is a ₹5 lakh subsidy for new homestays in designated tourist locations..The financial support aims to encourage local residents to start homestay businesses and earn income from tourism.
Homestays can also provide tourists with affordable accommodation and an opportunity to experience local culture, food and lifestyles.
The initiative is expected to benefit small business owners, local families and people living in coastal villages.
The government has linked the initiative with tourism development and efforts under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. However, detailed eligibility conditions, application procedures and the subsidy distribution process have not yet been specified in the announcement.
West Bengal Coastal Tourism Project: Digha To Get Helicopter Service For Tourists
Another important announcement is the proposed helicopter service to Digha..The service is expected to provide tourists with another travel option and improve connectivity to the popular coastal destination.
Digha attracts visitors from different parts of West Bengal and neighbouring states. Better transport facilities could make travel more convenient, particularly for tourists looking for faster connections. The government also plans to develop new tourist destinations and improve existing attractions in the region.
West Bengal Coastal Tourism Project: New Tourist Attractions And Beautification Projects
The development plan includes several projects to improve the tourism experience in Digha and nearby coastal areas. Some of the major proposed projects include:
- Developing new tourist destinations along the coastline.
- Improving homestay facilities in selected locations.
- Beautifying Amarabati Park in Digha.
- Reviving the closed snake park.
- Introducing helicopter services for tourists.
- Improving tourism infrastructure around Mandarmani and nearby coastal locations.
These projects aim to attract more domestic tourists and encourage longer stays in the region. The government also wants to make coastal tourism more affordable for middle-income and lower-middle-income families.
Better Safety Measures For Fishermen
Along with tourism development, the government has announced additional safety measures for fishermen. A high-frequency control room will be established at the Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority (DSDA) office in Digha.
The government also plans to create a specialised unit of 50 state police personnel by March to help deal with severe cyclones and other coastal emergencies.
These measures are intended to improve communication and provide better support to fishing communities during dangerous weather conditions.
₹200 Crore Irrigation Projects And Coastal Protection Plans
The government has also announced two major irrigation projects at Chandpur and Shankarpur. The projects are valued at approximately ₹200 crore and have been sanctioned in coordination with the state’s irrigation department.
In addition, the government plans to increase coastal plantation activities and restore mangrove forests along the coastline.
Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal areas from storms, erosion and other environmental threats.
The proposed plantation activities could help improve coastal protection while supporting the long-term development of the region.
How The Tourism Project Could Benefit Local People
The proposed coastal tourism project is expected to create opportunities for people living in Purba Medinipur.
New tourist destinations may increase demand for hotels, homestays, restaurants, local transport and other tourism-related services.
Small business owners and local entrepreneurs could benefit from the arrival of more visitors. The ₹5 lakh homestay subsidy may also encourage residents to participate directly in the tourism industry.
At the same time, improved infrastructure and affordable accommodation could make West Bengal’s coastal destinations more attractive to families.
