Hills Go High-Tech: Bengal’s Northern Peaks Join the Digital Skyline

Image Source: Times of India

With an aim to decentralize technology infrastructure to meet increased demand, the West Bengal government has announced the establishment of three new IT parks in Jalpaiguri, Kalimpong, and Kurseong. In addition to existing IT parks in Siliguri, which were completely filled up, this means there was immense demand for digital infrastructure in North Bengal.

The major developments driving the initiative:

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has initiated foundation work on the Kurseong IT park, an early boost to the project pipeline.
Kalimpong's IT park will come up along the backdrop of Deolo Hill, the land identified and groundwork to be begun shortly.
Jalpaiguri has been shortlisted for the third IT park, with plans being developed to incorporate it into the region's technology scene.
These additions will complement the existing 22 IT parks of the state, which are operating at 80 to 100 percent capacity.
Yet another fourth IT park is being planned in Chinsurah, Hooghly, as a part of an overall effort to develop digital infrastructure in Bengal.

Expanded vision and horizons:

The project is part of a wider state policy to promote inclusive development of technology, reduce regional disparities, and create employment opportunities in new centers. Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and World Trade Center NDITA are bringing the initiative to life through policy forums and infrastructure partnerships.

The state is alsofostering Centres of Excellence and hardware parks, such as the one at Sonarpur, to diversify its digital economy.

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine, Times of India