The West Bengal government, through HIDCO (West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation), is preparing to launch a major e-auction of premium land parcels in New Town, Kolkata, next month. Aimed at catalyzing development in the upcoming sectors of the city, around 20 acres of land in Action Areas II and III will be allotted for residential, commercial, and mixed-use development on a freehold basis.
With starting bids ranging from ₹26 crore to ₹292.2 crore, this move reflects the state's aggressive strategy to boost urban infrastructure and IT investment in the Rajarhat-New Town region, already considered one of the most organized planned townships in eastern India.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Land Allotment Type | Freehold (via e-auction) |
| Organizing Authority | HIDCO (West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.) |
| Total Land Available | Approx. 20 acres |
| Location | New Town Kolkata (Action Areas II & III) |
| Use Classification | Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use |
| Number of Plots | 5 plots |
| E-auction Start | Scheduled for August 2025 |
| Starting Bids | ₹26 crore to ₹292.2 crore |
| Plot Sizes | Ranging from 0.6 acres to 7.3 acres |
2 Plots, each 4.1 acres
Well-connected, near existing infrastructure and close to operating IT parks
1 Plot of 7.3 acres – Starting bid: ₹292.2 crore (largest and most valuable)
1 Plot of 3.2 acres
1 Plot of 0.6 acres – Starting bid: ₹26 crore (smallest)
Mixed-use land prices in this area are averaging between ₹30 crore and ₹40 crore per acre, depending on location, connectivity, and potential return on investment.
New Town, planned over 7,598 acres, is one of India's most ambitious satellite cities. Located just 10 km from Kolkata's CBD and close to Salt Lake Sector V and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, it is already home to:
12,000+ completed residential units
16,000 more under construction
Targeted to deliver 2 lakh housing units over the next decade
Booming IT and tech ecosystem, including TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, and Tech Mahindra campuses
Host to institutions like TCS Gitanjali Park, Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, and Eco Park
This e-auction by HIDCO is not just a real estate move — it reflects a strategic vision for urban development. Here's why it's important:
Boosts economic activity in Action Areas II & III, which are currently seeing growing interest from IT and commercial ventures.
Encourages private sector participation in infrastructure and housing development.
Ensures transparent and competitive land allotment through a digital e-auction system.
Supports planned urbanization in response to Kolkata’s expanding population and rising demand for modern amenities.
Local real estate observers and community leaders have largely welcomed the move:
“This is a smart step. But we urge the government to invest in civic infrastructure, especially in Action Area III. The proposed monorail project connecting Action Area III with Biswa Bangla Sarani must be revisited,” said a resident welfare association leader.
Transport Connectivity: While Action Area I is well-connected, Action Area III still lacks seamless last-mile connectivity.
Infrastructure Gaps: Essential services like water supply, drainage, and street lighting need scaling.
Demand-Driven Development: Developers will need clear ROI metrics to participate at high auction base prices.
The e-auction is expected to go live in August 2025, with official dates, eligibility criteria, and participation instructions to be announced shortly on the HIDCO portal