Howrah Set to Emerge as a Major Economic, Industrial and Logistics Hub
Howrah, June 22, 2026: Welcoming the West Bengal Government’s first budget for the financial year 2026-27, State Minister for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Umesh Rai described it as a landmark budget that combines welfare, employment generation, industrial growth, modern infrastructure, women’s empowerment and social security under a comprehensive development vision.
Calling it more than just a financial statement, Rai said the budget presents a clear roadmap for building a developed, self-reliant and prosperous West Bengal.
The Minister highlighted several key announcements, including recruitment for one lakh government vacancies, 33% reservation for women, relaxation in age limits for government jobs, unemployment assistance for youth, direct financial support and electricity subsidies for farmers, construction of 25 lakh new houses, free bus travel for women through the proposed Pink Card scheme, enhanced DA and pensions for employees and pensioners, and increased honorariums for Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, Civic Volunteers, Green Police, Traffic Volunteers and Home Guards.
According to Rai, initiatives such as the AI-driven Impact AI Mission, establishment of JEE, NEET and CA examination centres in every district, creation of an AYUSH Department, sports infrastructure in every Assembly constituency, expansion of metro networks, development of new airports, modern logistics corridors, heritage conservation projects and promotion of religious tourism will position West Bengal as a leading destination for investment, innovation and employment.
Focusing on Howrah, the Minister said the budget opens up significant opportunities for the district’s economic transformation. Proposed reforms to the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1963, are expected to pave the way for Howrah to evolve into a 24×7 commercial and business hub, attracting fresh investments in trade, hospitality, tourism and service sectors while generating large-scale employment.
Rai further noted that ambitious infrastructure projects such as the Dankuni-Ludhiana Multi-Modal Logistics Hub and the Shalimar-Garden Reach Underwater Highway will strengthen Howrah’s position as one of Eastern India’s leading industrial, transportation and logistics centres, boosting both regional and state economic growth.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of heritage and religious tourism initiatives. Through the Heritage Commission, Shaktipeeth Circuit and Sri Chaitanya Circuit projects, iconic sites such as Belur Math and Bankim Bhavan, along with other cultural landmarks of Howrah, are expected to receive enhanced conservation and development support. These initiatives are likely to stimulate tourism, strengthen local businesses and create thousands of employment opportunities.
Rai added that a large population of migrant workers residing in Howrah will benefit directly from welfare schemes such as One Nation, One Ration Card and Ayushman Bharat. Additionally, housing schemes, unemployment assistance, Pink Card benefits, enhanced pensions, sports infrastructure and skill development programmes are expected to positively impact lakhs of families across the district.
Expressing confidence in the state government’s vision, the Minister said the 2026-27 Budget would serve as a historic milestone in West Bengal’s journey towards becoming a developed state. He stated that the government remains committed to development, good governance and public service, and that the budget lays the foundation for taking every region of the state, particularly Howrah, to new heights of progress and prosperity.
Issued by:
Office of Umesh Rai
Minister of State
Department of Urban Development & Municipal Affairs
Government of West Bengal
