Kolkata, Oct 22 (NationPress) The zonal offices of two prominent central agencies, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), will begin functioning from a shared office complex starting in the first quarter of 2026.

Initial preparations for this transition have already commenced.

The new facility, where both central agencies will be based, is expected to be the structure owned by the National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC), located in New Town, on the northern edge of Kolkata.

Insiders familiar with the situation indicated that the decision to co-locate the zonal offices stems from a desire to enhance collaboration between the officials of the CBI and ED. This is particularly relevant as both agencies are concurrently investigating multiple cases involving alleged financial misconduct in West Bengal, including the school job case, municipal recruitment issues, and cattle and coal smuggling operations, among others.

Previously, the CBI had relocated its Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) and Special Crime Branch (SCB) to the NBCC Building at New Town. The ACB had been operating from the Nizam Palace Complex in South Kolkata, while the SCB was based at the Central Government Office (CGO) complex in Salt Lake, located in the northern part of the city.

In contrast, the ED is currently situated at its CGO complex office in Salt Lake.

According to sources, the forthcoming ED office within the NBCC Building will provide a more expansive workspace, with significantly increased capacity for ED lockups. The current lockup facilities at the CGO complex are limited in their ability to accommodate a larger number of detainees.

This strategic move to consolidate the zonal offices of both the CBI and ED is noteworthy, especially as both agencies have ramped up their investigative efforts in various cases ahead of the important West Bengal Assembly elections slated for next year.