The West Bengal Tourism Department is preparing a ₹100-crore development plan for Mirik in Darjeeling district, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, beautifying the iconic lake, and introducing new tourism activities to elevate the hill town’s appeal.
A detailed project report (DPR) is currently underway for Mirik, located approximately 50 km from Siliguri. The initiative aligns with the Centre’s “One State, One Destination” policy and is part of a broader strategy to strengthen tourism infrastructure across the state.
State Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh said the proposal gained momentum following his recent meeting with Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. “We are preparing a DPR for Mirik with an estimated outlay of ₹100 crore. Darjeeling has already been identified in the state budget as a ‘world tourist destination’. Given West Bengal’s geographical diversity, we have also requested the Centre to consider including an additional destination under the policy,” Ghosh said.
Nestled around a scenic lake and surrounded by tea gardens and orange orchards, Mirik has steadily gained popularity among travellers seeking a quieter alternative to Darjeeling. The proposed development plan will focus on upgrading tourist infrastructure, enhancing accommodation facilities, and promoting activity-based tourism to attract a wider range of visitors.
The Minister noted that tourism projects in the region will be implemented in phases. Similar initiatives are also being planned for Kalimpong, as the state aims to position Darjeeling and its surrounding areas as key hubs for nature and adventure tourism. In parallel, Digha is being developed as a marine tourism destination, while the Sundarbans is being promoted as a low-carbon green tourism model.
In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the tourism department is working on a dedicated mobile application that will register tourism stakeholders and offer visitors seamless access to tourism-related services, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Highlighting the importance of tourism for regional development, Ghosh said the state budget has placed special emphasis on boosting tourism infrastructure in north Bengal. “Our aim is to strengthen tourism infrastructure and generate employment, making tourism a key driver of the economy in the region,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a move to enhance tourist safety and assistance, the Siliguri Metropolitan Police has launched a dedicated tourist helpline (9800242426). A new traffic marshals wing has also been introduced, with personnel patrolling the city on two-wheelers to assist both traffic management and visitors.
The state tourism department is also expected to roll out its own dedicated tourist assistance helpline in the near future, further reinforcing support systems for travellers in the region.