West Bengal Begins Land Identification for AIIMS and Three Major Institutions in North Bengal

KalimNews, July 2, 2026, Siliguri: The West Bengal Government has initiated the process of identifying land for four major proposed institutions in North Bengal, including an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). At least two of these prestigious projects are likely to be established near Bagdogra Airport to capitalize on the region's growing air connectivity and strategic location.

The announcement was made by Anandamay Barman, Minister of State for the Finance Department, after attending a high-level administrative review meeting in Siliguri on Wednesday. The meeting brought together senior officials to assess the progress of various Central and State government welfare schemes, infrastructure projects, flood management initiatives, and disaster preparedness measures across North Bengal.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the minister said that one of the key priorities was to identify suitable land for the four proposed institutions. Each project is expected to require between 100 and 150 acres of land.

According to Barman, the government has, in principle, decided that at least two of the proposed institutions should be located in the vicinity of Bagdogra Airport. He said the decision was guided by the importance of seamless air connectivity, particularly as Bagdogra Airport is being upgraded into an international airport. The enhanced connectivity is expected to improve access to these national-level institutions for students, patients, researchers, and visitors from across the country.

The minister revealed that three to four potential land parcels connected to the airport have already been identified for preliminary assessment. However, he clarified that no final decision has yet been taken regarding the exact locations.

Officials have been instructed to expedite the land identification process in Matigara, Naxalbari, and adjoining areas, with the government hoping to complete the initial land earmarking exercise at the earliest.

Barman also indicated that land belonging to certain non-viable tea gardens could be considered for these large-scale projects, provided all legal, environmental, and feasibility requirements are satisfied.

While the proposed AIIMS is expected to become one of the flagship institutions, the remaining three projects are likely to be distributed across different districts of North Bengal. The minister emphasized that the government's objective is to promote balanced regional development by selecting locations based on infrastructure availability, connectivity, and long-term developmental needs.

The proposed institutions are expected to strengthen healthcare, education, and regional infrastructure in North Bengal while contributing significantly to the area's socio-economic development.