Get the latest Siliguri news today. Comprehensive coverage of North Bengal politics, Bagdogra updates, Siliguri Municipal Corp, and breaking local headlines.
Bappa, North Bengal Correspondent, Trending News Fox, News & Media Team, Published February 25, 2026
Siliguri News Today – Latest Updates, Headlines & Breaking Stories
Siliguri, West Bengal – Here are the top stories making headlines in Siliguri today, covering civic developments, weather alerts, politics, crime, transport, and local events.
Major News Highlights
1. Dense Fog Disrupts Traffic, Flights & Trains
Siliguri woke up to dense early-morning fog, causing slow vehicular movement on Sevoke Road, Hill Cart Road, and near Bagdogra Airport.
Several flights reported delays, and NJP station witnessed late arrivals of long-distance trains.
Authorities have urged commuters to avoid overspeeding and use fog lights.
2. Bagdogra Airport Expansion Work Speeds Up
Work on the Bagdogra Airport terminal expansion project has advanced with new machinery deployed on-site this week.
Officials claim the upgrade will double passenger capacity, improving tourism connectivity to Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Sikkim, and Dooars.
3. Siliguri Municipal Corporation Launches Cleanliness Drive
The Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) began a week-long “Nirmal Siliguri Abhiyan” focusing on waste management, drain cleaning, and anti-mosquito fogging.
Mayor Goutam Deb stated that areas around Ward 4, 5, 17, and 25 will be prioritized due to rising complaints from residents.
4. Crime Watch: Two Held in Vehicle Theft Case
Siliguri Metropolitan Police arrested two individuals involved in an inter-district vehicle theft racket.
Multiple two-wheelers and documents were seized from the suspects in Matigara and Pradhannagar.
Police say more arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
5. Bengal Safari Sees Visitor Surge
The Bengal Safari Park witnessed a significant jump in visitors this weekend, thanks to clear afternoon weather and the start of the tourist season.
Officials reported long queues for tiger safari, herbivore safari, and elephant display zones.
6. NJP–Sevoke Rail Track Repair Work Begins
Indian Railways has initiated urgent maintenance on the busy NJP–Sevoke section, leading to rescheduling of several local trains.
Passengers are advised to check train timings before planning travel.
7. Darjeeling & Sikkim Travel Updates
With thousands heading to the hills, the Siliguri Traffic Police issued an advisory to avoid peak-hour travel on:
- Sevoke Road
- Darjeeling More
- Mahananda Bridge
Moderate congestion was reported throughout the day.
8. Weather Forecast
Siliguri is likely to experience:
- Temperature: 13°C–25°C
- Foggy mornings for the next 48 hours
- Clear afternoons
- A chance of light rain later this week
Residents should stay updated through official advisories.
Siliguri News Today: Mega Budget Unveiled as City Prepares for Election-Year Transformation
SILIGURI – The “Gateway to the Northeast” is undergoing a massive shift in its urban and political landscape. This week, the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) presented a landmark budget, while the Union Government announced a high-speed rail corridor that promises to redefine connectivity for North Bengal.
1. SMC Budget 2026: A ₹638 Crore Vision for the City
Mayor Goutam Deb tabled a ₹638.42 crore budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, signaling a heavy focus on infrastructure and social welfare ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. Key highlights include:
- Infrastructure: The reconstruction of 100 city roads and the proposal for a sixth bridge over the Mahananda River.
- Welfare: A new monthly allowance of ₹500 for senior citizens and widows, alongside a 4% pay hike for municipal workers.
- New Landmarks: Plans for a “Siliguri Museum” and a modern “Yuva Awas” (Youth Hostel) at the Indoor Stadium premises.
- Environmental Focus: A dedicated cycling and jogging track along the Eastern Bypass to promote “Green Siliguri.”
2. High-Speed Rail: Varanasi-Siliguri Corridor
In a major boost from the 2026 Union Budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a High-Speed Rail Corridor linking Siliguri with Varanasi. This project is expected to slash travel times to Northern India and solidify Siliguri’s status as a critical trade hub. Additionally, an innovative 40-km underground rail corridor has been proposed to bypass the sensitive “Chicken’s Neck” area, ensuring resilient connectivity for the Northeast.
3. Political Temperature Rises
With the West Bengal Assembly elections approaching, Siliguri has become a political epicenter.
- Mayor’s Move: Goutam Deb has publicly expressed his desire to contest from the Siliguri Assembly seat (his birthplace) rather than his previous constituency, Dabgram-Phulbari.
- Local Tensions: Protests recently erupted in the Tinbatti area, where villagers blocked Asian Highway-2 over Election Commission notices, highlighting the high stakes and local unrest as the city gears up for the polls.
4. Urban Development & Weather Update
The city is currently seeing progress on the 4/6-laning of NH-10 (near Shivmandir to Sevoke), though officials indicate a revised completion target of late 2026 due to technical delays.
Weather Alert: Local forecasts for late February 2026 predict dry weather across Siliguri and Jalpaiguri, though light snow and rain are likely in the upper reaches of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, making it an ideal time for tourists visiting the hills via Siliguri.
Conclusion
Siliguri continues to remain a busy transit and commercial hub for North Bengal and the Northeast. From weather disruptions to civic reforms and rising tourist activity, the city remains in the spotlight with multiple fast-moving developments.
Siliguri News Today: Frequently Asked Questions (Feb 2026)
1. What are the key highlights of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC) Budget 2026?
Mayor Goutam Deb presented a ₹638.42 crore budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Major focus areas include:
- Infrastructure: Construction of a sixth bridge over the Mahananda River and the development of 100 city roads.
- Healthcare: A new 30-bed hospital at Dabgram and a dedicated hospital for street animals called Hridoy Sparsha.
- Sports: Renovation of Kanchanjunga Stadium and a new table tennis academy.
- Tourism: The establishment of a “Siliguri Museum” and a “Boipara” (book street) in the College Para area.
2. Is there any update on the Varanasi-Siliguri High-Speed Rail?
Yes. The 2026 Union Budget confirmed the Varanasi-Siliguri High-Speed Rail Corridor. Additionally, Indian Railways is planning a new underground rail line near Siliguri to bypass the “Chicken’s Neck” corridor, which will enhance strategic connectivity and speed up travel to the Northeast.
3. What is the current weather in Siliguri?
As of late February 2026, Siliguri is experiencing a transition into spring.
- Temperature: Highs of approximately 31°C to 32°C and lows of 15°C to 16°C.
- Conditions: Mostly sunny with very low humidity (around 15%), making it dry and pleasant.
- Travel Tip: It is the peak season for tourists traveling through Siliguri to Darjeeling or Sikkim.
4. How can I register for the Indian Army Agnipath Scheme in Siliguri?
The Army Recruiting Office (ARO) Siliguri has announced that registration for the Online Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for the 2026-27 recruiting year is open from February 13 to April 1, 2026. Eligible candidates should apply via the official Join Indian Army website.
5. Are there any major traffic updates I should know about?
The SMC and PWD are collaborating to transform the stretch of Hill Cart Road (from Hashmi Chowk to Mallaguri) into a “Model Road”. Expect some diversions and widening work in this area. Additionally, a new bus terminus has been sanctioned for Tinbatti More to ease congestion at the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus.
6. What is the status of the Nipah Virus (NiV) in West Bengal?
While two cases were confirmed in the North 24 Parganas district (Barasat) in January 2026, health authorities and the WHO have reported no further cases in Siliguri or North Bengal. Enhanced surveillance remains in place as a precaution.
Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current news reports and projected developments for February 2026. While we strive for accuracy, details regarding government budgets, infrastructure timelines, and political announcements are subject to change. Readers are advised to verify time-sensitive information with official government portals or local authorities.
About the Author: Bappa is a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the socio-political landscape of North Bengal. Based in Siliguri, Bappa has a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing the “Gateway to the Northeast,” from the bustling trade at NJP to the shifting tea garden economy in the foothills. Known for gritty, ground-level reporting, Bappa is a member of the Siliguri Journalists’ Club and specializes in urban development and local governance.
