North Bengal is set to witness a series of major infrastructure developments following key decisions at an administrative review meeting in Siliguri. The approved projects include a 21-km Kurseong–Darjeeling ropeway, a new medical college in Kalimpong, hospital modernisation across five locations, and a ₹19 crore allocation for Darjeeling’s Mahakal Temple.
West Bengal's proposed school textbook revisions have sparked a fresh debate over language and cultural representation. A curriculum review committee has recommended replacing words such as 'paani', 'abba' and 'amma' with 'jol', 'baba' and 'maa' in Bengali-language textbooks as part of a broader educational revision planned for 2027.
A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a plaque bearing former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's name at Kolkata's iconic Nandan cultural complex was reportedly painted over ahead of the 32nd Kolkata International Film Festival. The development has drawn attention because the plaque commemorating former Chief Minister Jyoti Basu remains intact.
The Central Water Commission has issued a special advisory for West Bengal and Assam following reports of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) at Shintaphu Lake in Bhutan. A sudden rise in water levels along the Sankosh River is anticipated, with Alipurduar and Dhubri districts likely to be affected. Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures.
The Supreme Court of India has suggested involving prominent personalities, including cricketer Virat Kohli, in a public-awareness campaign encouraging people to celebrate Diwali while reducing firecracker pollution. The court also stressed strict enforcement of existing restrictions in Delhi-NCR.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced plans to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in North Bengal, including a proposal for an AIIMS facility in Raiganj and a full-fledged cancer hospital in Jalpaiguri. The initiatives aim to improve access to advanced medical treatment in the region.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured devotees that Chhath Puja celebrations will take place without unnecessary obstacles, similar to the arrangements made during Durga Puja. The state administration is also reviewing safety, security and crowd management measures ahead of the upcoming festivals.
Cyclone Arnab has disrupted railway operations, prompting the cancellation of four long-distance train services connecting Howrah, Jagdalpur and Rourkela. The cancellations will remain in effect on different dates between October 27 and November 5, 2026, as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stressed the need for enhanced safety arrangements ahead of Kali Puja 2026. Authorities have emphasised the use of green crackers, fire prevention, crowd management and compliance with noise restrictions as preparations for the festival continue.
Kolkata Metro recorded an unprecedented 61.51 lakh passenger journeys between Maha Panchami and Dashami during Durga Puja 2026, marking a significant rise in ridership compared with last year. The network also registered its highest-ever single-day footfall on Maha Sasthi.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced that the upcoming mythological epic Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, will be tax-free in the state. The announcement was made during Vijayadashami celebrations in Kolkata, ahead of the film’s scheduled theatrical release on November 5, 2026.
Following the tragic stampede at Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal that claimed 19 lives and injured 25 people, authorities have ordered temporary entry restrictions at several prominent Kolkata puja venues. The measures affect major attractions, including Tala Pratyay, Alipore Sarbojanin and Chetla Agrani, while Allen Park has suspended its light show and music programmes.
