Kolkata's nightlife to get big boost as Govt allows shops to open 24-hours

In a landmark move set to completely redefine the economic and cultural landscape of West Bengal's capital, State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta has proposed allowing shops in Kolkata to remain open 24 hours a day. The groundbreaking announcement was a key highlight of the fiscal year 2026 state budget presented in the legislative assembly today. This marks the very first budget tabled by the newly formed BJP government since coming to power in the state, signaling a dramatic shift toward aggressive economic reforms.

The sweeping policy update is not just limited to retail shops; it extends across multiple critical commercial sectors. Under this new legislative proposal, corporate offices, logistics services, and hospitality establishments—including restaurants and hotels—will also be permitted to operate continuously throughout the day and night. This major structural overhaul aims to transform Kolkata into a truly modern, round-the-clock metropolis aligned with global economic hubs.

According to government officials, the primary objective behind this historic reform is to significantly enhance the local work culture, boost overall productivity, and drive rapid economic development. By removing traditional nighttime operational restrictions, the administration intends to stimulate massive job creation and attract fresh investments. The debut budget has already been widely labeled as a people-pleasing initiative designed to catalyze commercial growth while modernizing the state's business ecosystem.