State government to set up development corporation for youth hostels in Bengal

KOLKATA: There might soon be a new development corporation for operating and maintaining youth hostels in Bengal. This new corporation will work in close tandem with the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation and they would also be following the same model of the West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation.

The initiative shall begin with the tourism department assisting the new body with upgradation of infrastructure and services at the existing hostel properties. An allotment of Rs 140 crore has been made for upgrading these hostels.

Alongside the upgradation costs, a total of Rs 90 crore has been allotted for setting up 23 new youth hostels and another Rs 50 crore for renovating the existing 20 hostels.

Once the project takes off successfully, the youth hostels shall no longer be used for accommodation only. There would be a holistic make over of these facilities and will a host of other inclusions like a mini indoor games complex, multi-gym, playground and community hall cum recreation centre. The hostels will serve as venues for hosting conferences as well.