West Bengal Budget: Greenfield Airport, Solar Subsidies and Rs 4.38 Lakh Crore Allocation

The BJP government in West Bengal has presented its first state budget since coming to power, outlining ambitious plans to expand infrastructure, boost renewable energy adoption, and strengthen economic growth.

Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta presented the Budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly, with a net allocation of Rs 4,38,775.29 crore. Among the biggest announcements were a proposed greenfield airport near Kalyani and the implementation of the Centre's PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana across the state.

Why the Government Wants a Second Airport Near Kolkata

A key infrastructure proposal in the Budget is the development of a new airport near Kalyani in Nadia district.

According to the government, growing passenger traffic at Kolkata's existing airport has created the need for an additional aviation hub to support future growth and regional connectivity.

Addressing the Assembly, Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said, "Kolkata Airport is facing significant passenger congestion, and there is a need for a second Airport in Kolkata to boost the regional economy. Government will identify 1,000-1,500 acres of land near Kalyani to set up a new green field airport near Kolkata."

The proposed project is expected to improve passenger capacity, support economic activity in surrounding districts, and create new opportunities for investment and employment.

Major Rooftop Solar Expansion Planned

The Budget also places significant emphasis on renewable energy and household solar power generation.

The state government announced that PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana will be implemented in West Bengal with a target of installing two lakh rooftop solar systems.

Speaking on the initiative, Dasgupta said, “To promote solar energy adoption and empower village communities to achieve energy self-reliance, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, which offers financial subsidies to domestic consumers for installing rooftop solar power systems, will be implemented in the state with the target of 2 lakh rooftop solar installations.”

The programme is aimed at reducing electricity costs for households while encouraging greater use of renewable energy.

Rs 100 Crore Allocation for Solar Projects

To support the expansion of rooftop solar power generation, the government has earmarked Rs 100 crore in the Budget.

The Finance Minister said, “The State Government will encourage more generation of solar power and its consumption, both to make affordable power to the industries as well as meet climate goals. It will work on an Open Access policy towards these goals. In addition, Grid-connected Rooftop Solar PV power generation systems will be installed. An allocation of Rs 100 crores for this purpose. SC/ST families will be provided additional subsidy of Rs 5000.”

The additional subsidy for SC/ST families is intended to make solar adoption more accessible and affordable for economically vulnerable households.

Symbolic Start to the BJP Government's First Budget

The presentation of the Budget also carried symbolic significance. The budget file was made using traditional Bengali mats and jute, highlighting local craftsmanship.

Before presenting the Budget in the Assembly, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta performed a puja, marking the beginning of the state's first BJP government budget session.

What the Announcements Mean

The Budget signals the government's focus on two major priorities: expanding infrastructure to support long-term economic growth and accelerating renewable energy adoption. If implemented as planned, the Kalyani airport project could reshape regional connectivity around Kolkata, while the rooftop solar programme could significantly increase household participation in clean energy generation across West Bengal.

(With inputs from ANI)