WB Government to Launch Luxury NBSTC buses to Jagannath Dham in Digha

The West Bengal Government will soon launch luxury NBSTC buses to Jagannath Dham in Digha from various North Bengal districts to improve connectivity and address the region’s limited train access.

To meet rising public demand and improve accessibility to Digha’s newly inaugurated Jagannath Dham, the West Bengal Government is preparing to launch a dedicated fleet of air-conditioned luxury NBSTC buses to Jagannath Dham in Digha. The service will offer direct connectivity from various north Bengal districts to the popular coastal pilgrimage destination.

The move is expected to significantly boost religious tourism while offering a more convenient and comfortable travel option for devotees and tourists.

The replica shrine, modeled after the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on April 30, 2025, and has since drawn massive crowds.

NBSTC Chairman Partha Pratim Ray confirmed that six new AC buses have already been sanctioned and will be delivered shortly.

Though specific routes are yet to be disclosed, a senior transport department official stated that all the new NBSTC buses to Jagannath Dham will provide direct services from key districts across north Bengal.

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The official launch and route announcement are expected during Chief Minister Banerjee’s upcoming three-day tour of north Bengal, beginning Monday.

The introduction of NBSTC buses to Jagannath Dham comes in response to feedback that limited train connectivity has hindered pilgrimage travel from the northern region.

Planned routes will likely originate from districts such as Cooch Behar, Malda, North and South Dinajpur, and Jalpaiguri—regions that have expressed strong interest in improved transport options to Digha since the temple’s opening.

Officials in East Midnapore, home to Digha, noted that Jagannath Dham has been witnessing heavy footfall—reaching 50,000 to 60,000 visitors on weekends and 30,000 to 40,000 on weekdays. Donations from devotees have already exceeded ₹10 lakh since the temple’s inauguration.

“The launch of NBSTC buses to Jagannath Dham will bridge a critical gap in long-distance travel, especially for pilgrims from north Bengal who currently struggle with limited transport options,” a senior official stated.

More than just a transport initiative, these new NBSTC bus services represent a strategic step by the West Bengal government to strengthen inter-regional connectivity, support religious tourism, and stimulate local economies in both the northern districts and the coastal belt of East Midnapore.