The West Bengal government has set the stage for one of its most ambitious religious–tourism projects yet, with the Cabinet on Monday giving formal approval for the construction of a grand Mahakal temple complex in Matigara, Siliguri. The move, coming months before the 2026 Assembly election campaign shifts into high gear, is being widely interpreted as a significant political statement by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The decision marks the fulfilment of Banerjee’s public commitment made during her October tour of North Bengal, when she assured residents that the region would soon host a Mahakal temple comparable in scale to the revered shrine in Darjeeling. Following the Cabinet meeting, Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya announced that the state would acquire 25.15 acres in the Laxmi Township zone, clearing the administrative and legal hurdles for the project.
Of the acquired land, 17.41 acres will be immediately transferred to the Tourism Department, while the remaining portions will be shifted in phases. The government’s vision is to transform the area into a major tourism circuit, anchored by the upcoming Mahakal temple and supported by cultural, hospitality and recreational infrastructure.
“This is in line with the Chief Minister’s commitment to the people of North Bengal,” Bhattacharya said, emphasising that the Cabinet had approved the proposal unanimously. According to officials, the temple complex is expected to feature the tallest Shiva statue in the region, positioning it as a spiritual landmark for devotees and visitors alike.
The development comes amid a series of religious–cultural initiatives launched by the state government in recent years — including the Jagannath temple in Digha and the planned Durga Angan in New Town. Political observers say the Mahakal project fits into this broader strategy, signalling Trinamool Congress’s intention to strengthen its outreach to Hindu voters, particularly in North Bengal where the BJP has made steady inroads.
In a parallel push to boost the region’s economic profile, the Cabinet also approved a proposal for an international-standard convention centre in Dabgram. Built on 10 acres near Asian Highway 2, the project is expected to attract large conferences, corporate gatherings and cultural festivals — a long-standing demand from local stakeholders.
With land clearances expedited and planning underway, the Mahakal temple initiative is emerging not only as a cultural endeavour but also as a political tool. As West Bengal heads toward a crucial election year, the project is likely to dominate both public discourse and political calculations in North Bengal, turning Matigara into a focal point of the state’s development narrative.
