Industry bodies on Thursday broadly welcomed the West Bengal interim budget, lauding its emphasis on urban infrastructure development and the modernization of district towns as a step toward more balanced urban growth across the state. Business and real estate leaders said the focus could help ease pressure on major cities while unlocking economic potential in emerging urban centers.

CREDAI West Bengal President Sushil Mohta described the government’s plan to modernize district towns as a positive and timely move. He said strengthening urban infrastructure outside major metros would support planned expansion and improve livability. However, Mohta also highlighted persistent infrastructure bottlenecks in key growth corridors, particularly at crossings such as Barasat and Amtala, where narrow roads and encroachments have constrained development activity.

According to industry representatives, addressing these bottlenecks through road widening and stricter regulation of encroachments could help spur growth beyond established urban hubs. They argued that improved connectivity is critical for sustaining real estate development, easing traffic congestion, and encouraging investment in smaller towns and peri-urban areas.

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The Bharat Chamber of Commerce (BCC) also welcomed the interim budget’s infrastructure-led approach. BCC President Naresh Pachisia said the continued focus on industrial and economic corridors, logistics connectivity, and the development of MSME parks would strengthen West Bengal’s industrial ecosystem. He added that such measures are likely to boost investor confidence and support long-term economic growth.

Industry players further praised the proposal to set up a global trade center in the state. Merlin Group Managing Director Saket Mohta said an initiative of this scale, supported through public-private collaboration, could significantly enhance West Bengal’s appeal as an investment destination and contribute to the creation of sustainable, future-ready cities.

Purti Realty Managing Director Mahesh Agarwal said the interim budget reflected the government’s intent to upgrade cities in a planned and people-friendly manner. He noted that a sustained focus on urban infrastructure would be essential for improving quality of life while supporting economic and real estate growth across the state.

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