West Bengal to build new Assembly at New Town as seat count eyes 400+
Synopsis
West Bengal's 294-seat Assembly is heading for a major expansion — and a new address. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a brand-new legislative complex at New Town, Kolkata, citing an expected jump to over 400 seats once delimitation and 33% women's reservation kick in. The heritage building in central Kolkata will be repurposed, not demolished.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal will construct a new Assembly complex at New Town , on the northern outskirts of Kolkata .
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the plan on 25 July , the last day of the six-day extended budget session.
The current Assembly has 294 seats ; delimitation and 33% women's reservation are expected to raise the count to over 400 .
An all-party delegation, accompanied by the Public Works Department , will visit the proposed New Town site to prepare a preliminary plan.
The existing heritage building in central Kolkata will be repurposed, not demolished.
The Chief Minister assured that state funds will not be a constraint for the project.
West Bengal is set to construct a new legislative assembly complex at New Town, on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, as the state government plans for a significant expansion in the number of legislators following delimitation and women's reservation. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the plan on the floor of the House on Saturday, 25 July, on the final day of the six-day extended budget session.
Why a New Building Is Needed
The current West Bengal Assembly accommodates 294 seats. According to Chief Minister Adhikari, the combined effect of delimitation and a 33 per cent reservation for women is expected to push the total number of legislators to over 400. He argued that the existing structure in central Kolkata would be incapable of providing adequate seating for the expanded House.
Adhikari drew a parallel with the construction of the new Lok Sabha building, suggesting West Bengal must similarly plan ahead. He also recalled the difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, when social distancing norms forced some of the current 294 MLAs to be seated in the visitor's gallery — a situation that exposed the structural limitations of the heritage building.
What the Chief Minister Said
'There are currently 294 seats in the assembly. With delimitation and 33 per cent reservation for women, it will increase to over 400. Then it will be difficult to accommodate all legislators within the current House. Hence, we have to plan now. I am saying with the State Finance Minister as a witness that there will be no problem with funds for the project,' Adhikari said.
The Chief Minister requested Speaker Rathindra Bose to organise an all-party delegation to visit the proposed site at New Town, and suggested that representatives from the Public Works Department accompany them to prepare a preliminary plan.
Fate of the Heritage Building
The current Assembly building, a heritage structure located in central Kolkata, will not be demolished. Chief Minister Adhikari indicated it will be repurposed for alternative uses, preserving its architectural and historical significance while freeing up the legislative function for a purpose-built facility.
What Happens Next
The immediate next step is the all-party site visit to New Town, after which the Public Works Department is expected to prepare a preliminary blueprint. No formal timeline or cost estimate has been announced yet, though the Chief Minister has assured that state finances will not be a constraint. The project is likely to gain formal shape once delimitation and the women's reservation framework are finalised at the national level.
Point of View
However, is any cost estimate, construction timeline, or independent feasibility study. New Town is a planned township with available land, but large government construction projects in West Bengal have a mixed record on delivery. The repurposing of the heritage building also raises questions about what 'alternative purposes' means in practice — a detail that deserves public scrutiny before the site visit becomes a fait accompli.
NationPress
25 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is West Bengal planning a new Assembly building?
The current Assembly in central Kolkata has only 294 seats. With delimitation and 33 per cent reservation for women expected to push the legislator count to over 400, the existing building will no longer have adequate seating capacity, prompting the state government to plan a new complex.
Where will the new West Bengal Assembly be built?
The proposed site is New Town, on the northern outskirts of Kolkata. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has asked Speaker Rathindra Bose to arrange an all-party delegation visit to the site, along with Public Works Department representatives to prepare a preliminary plan.
What will happen to the existing Assembly building in Kolkata?
The current Assembly building, a heritage structure in central Kolkata, will not be demolished. Chief Minister Adhikari stated it will be repurposed for alternative uses, preserving its historical and architectural value.
Who announced the new Assembly building plan?
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the plan on 25 July, the final day of the West Bengal Assembly's six-day extended budget session. He made the assurance with the State Finance Minister present as a witness that funds would not be an obstacle.
When will the new Assembly be ready?
No formal timeline or cost estimate has been announced. The immediate next step is an all-party site visit to New Town, after which the Public Works Department will prepare a preliminary blueprint. The project's pace is likely tied to the national delimitation and women's reservation process.
