Ranit Kr. Singh , Kolkata - The historic town of Tamluk in Purba Medinipur is poised for a major modernization drive after being named a potential candidate for the state's new smart city project. State Urban Development and Urban Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal announced that Tamluk—the successor to the ancient port city of Tamralipta—is in the pipeline alongside Asansol, Nabadwip, and Siliguri. While official administrative directives are still pending, local authorities and representatives have welcomed the initiative. District Magistrate Niranjan Kumar confirmed that the local administration is ready to execute the plan as soon as formal government orders are received.

The announcement has sparked widespread optimism among residents, who see the smart city designation as a gateway to robust infrastructure, economic growth, and enhanced public services. Local MLA Harekrishna Bera noted that upgrading the city was a key electoral promise that is now moving toward reality. Community figures, including retired educator Bidhan Chandra Samanta, emphasized that a well-planned urban overhaul would drastically improve the financial condition of locals by drawing in external investments and creating fresh employment opportunities.

Beyond civic amenities, the upgrade is expected to completely revitalize Tamluk's prominent cultural and religious tourism sector. The city boasts a rich historical heritage, featuring landmarks such as the ancient Tamluk Rajbari, the historic Hamilton High School—famed for its association with freedom fighter Khudiram Bose—and the revered Borghima Devi temple, all set against the scenic Rupnarayan River. Citizens and officials agree that modernizing the infrastructure surrounding these heritage sites will attract a larger influx of tourists, successfully blending Tamluk's deep-rooted historical legacy with twenty-first-century urban living.