CM focuses on tourism infrastructure development in Cooch Behar

PTI, September 22, 2026, Cooch Behar: Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday said his government would focus on developing tourism infrastructure in Cooch Behar to attract more visitors to the district known for natural beauty and temples. Stating that the government would also strengthen road and railway infrastructure in the district, Adhikari said that he would fulfil "all dreams" of the people of Cooch Behar before completing one year in office in May next year.

Visiting the 19th-century Madanmohan Temple in Cooch Behar, he said the district attracts tourists for its natural beauty as well as for its temples and stressed the need to create better accommodation facilities for visitors.

Besides the Madan Mohan Temple, tourists visit the north Bengal district for other shrines such as Baneswar Shiva Temple, Siddheswari Kali Bari, Siddhanath Siva Temple and Madhupur Satra (Vaishnavite monastery).

"I took oath (as CM) on May 9, 2026. Within one year, by May 9, 2027, all necessary steps will be taken to fulfil the dreams of the people of Cooch Behar," Adhikari said.

The Chief Minister said that two types of tourists come to Cooch Behar -- one to enjoy nature, and the other to visit different temples -- and arrangements have to be made for their overnight stay.

Adhikari also participated in prayers at the Madanmohan Temple, constructed by Maharaja Nripendra Narayan between 1885 and 1889, during his first visit to Cooch Behar as the chief minister.

The district also offers a serene landscape defined by lush wetlands such as Rasik Bill and Sagardighi, dense forests and meandering rivers.

He later travelled to Jalpaiguri, where he inaugurated a bridge over the Murti river, built at a cost of nearly Rs 20 crore.

The bridge, around 126 metres long and 13 metres in breadth, will connect Nagrakata to Jalpaiguri.

"Two more bridges are also being constructed. Besides this, the bridge at Kalikhola was damaged in a natural disaster last year. I have given approval for the work, and construction of the bridge will begin soon," Adhikari said.