The West Bengal Budget 2026

feels like a step in the right direction, especially in the way it focuses on industrial growth, infrastructure and making it easier to do business. These are the fundamentals investors look for, and if backed by consistent policy action, they can go a long way in attracting long-term capital into the state.From a real estate standpoint, two challenges have always stood out—access to large, contiguous land parcels and execution-related inefficiencies. Any progress on rationalising the Urban Land Ceiling framework and enabling smoother land aggregation can open up significant opportunities for integrated developments, townships and commercial hubs.At the same time, improving the overall business environment will be equally important. A more transparent system, reduced reliance on informal practices and addressing the issue of ‘syndicate culture’, along with faster approvals, can significantly improve project timelines and investor confidence.At the end of the day, housing demand is closely linked to job creation and economic activity. If the intent outlined in this budget translates effectively on the ground, West Bengal has the potential to emerge as a strong and competitive real estate market in eastern India.”— Saket Mohta, Managing Director, Merlin Project