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South Bengal News Today: Historic Infrastructure Leap, Political Turmoil, and Health Alerts
By Trending News Fox Editorial Team | February 27, 2026
South Bengal is at a critical crossroads this February. As the region gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, the landscape is being reshaped by massive infrastructure “gifts,” high-stakes political defections, and a renewed focus on public health following recent viral outbreaks. From the bustling streets of Kolkata to the industrial hubs of Hooghly and the coastal stretches of the Midnapores, today’s headlines reflect a region in high gear.
In this deep-dive report, Trending News Fox brings you the definitive look at the breaking news stories defining South Bengal today.
1. The “Holi Gift”: Kalyani Expressway Ready for Inauguration
The most significant development for commuters in South Bengal is the nearing completion of the upgraded Kalyani Expressway. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to virtually inaugurate this 44.2-km signal-free corridor on March 2, just ahead of the Holi (Dol Yatra) festivities.
Project Highlights:
- Drastic Time Savings: The corridor will reduce travel time between Kolkata and AIIMS Kalyani from nearly 2.5 hours to just 45 minutes.
- Engineering Marvel: Executed at a cost of ₹2,500 crore, the project features 21 signal-free flyovers and a crucial 1.3-km elevated link to the Belgharia Expressway.
- Regional Connectivity: Beyond Kalyani, the project is expected to decongest Barasat and provide lightning-fast airport access for residents of Nadia, Howrah, and Hooghly.
2. Political Seismic Shifts: Bankim Chandra’s Descendant Joins BJP
The political temperature in South Bengal has reached a boiling point. Today, Sumitra Chatterjee, a fifth-generation descendant of the iconic poet Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, formally joined the BJP. This move is being viewed as a major symbolic blow to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), particularly as Chatterjee immediately targeted the government over the state’s ongoing job crisis.
This follows the tragic passing of veteran leader Mukul Roy earlier this week at age 71. Roy, a founding pillar of the TMC, leaves a significant vacuum in the South Bengal political machinery. CM Mamata Banerjee described his departure as the “end of an era,” while the BJP continues to sound the “poll bugle” for the 2026 elections.
3. Election Watch: High-Rise Polling Stations & Voter Scrutiny
In a first for the region, the Election Commission (EC) has announced it will set up polling stations in 57 additional residential high-rises across Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, and the 24 Parganas.
This move aims to increase voter turnout in urban South Bengal, which traditionally sees lower participation compared to rural districts. However, tension remains high over the final electoral roll; the Supreme Court has mandated a strict scrutiny of nearly 60 lakh names under the “logical discrepancy” category before the final list is published on February 28.
4. Health Alert: Nipah Virus Surveillance in Barasat
Public health officials in South Bengal are on high alert following the confirmation of two Nipah virus (NiV) cases in Barasat, North 24 Parganas. Both patients are healthcare workers at a private facility.
Current Status:
- Enhanced IPC: Infection Prevention and Control measures have been tightened across all South Bengal hospitals.
- Surveillance: The National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune has confirmed the cases, and active contact tracing is underway in the surrounding districts.
- Advisory: Residents are advised to avoid raw date palm sap and ensure fruits are thoroughly washed.
5. Economy & Transport: The “Fitness Certificate” Crisis
Commuters in South Bengal may face transport disruptions as operators flag a massive glitch in the Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) system. Thousands of public transport vehicles are currently unable to obtain mandatory fitness certificates (CF) due to server failures in the tracking system. The Joint Forum of Transport Operators has petitioned the state government to delink VLTD fitment from CF issuance to avoid a total transport standoff.
6. Weather Today: Kolkata and South Bengal Forecast
After a brief spell of light rain earlier this week, the weather in South Bengal has stabilized into a typical early-summer pattern.
Weather Summary for Kolkata
| Parameter | Value |
| Current Temperature | 21°C |
| High Temperature | 31°C |
| Condition | Sunny (Day) / Partly Cloudy (Night) |
| Humidity | 64% |
| Wind | 5 mph from Southwest |
The IMD predicts that while the daytime will remain sunny, the humidity will keep the “feels like” temperature slightly higher, around 24°C in the mornings.
Conclusion: A Region in Transition
South Bengal remains the engine of the state’s economy and its political heart. The opening of the Kalyani Expressway marks a new chapter in regional infrastructure, while the upcoming elections ensure that every move—from political defections to healthcare management—is under the national microscope.
Stay tuned to Trending News Fox for live updates on the Kalyani Expressway inauguration and the ongoing voter list scrutiny.
Fifth generation descendant of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay joins BJP
This video provides on-the-ground coverage of Sumitra Chatterjee’s move to the BJP, a key political highlight in South Bengal today.
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