Digha in West Bengal is witnessing an unprecedented tourism boom following the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple. The surge in tourist footfall has triggered a steep hike in hotel prices, leading to widespread complaints of overcharging, particularly on weekends and festive days.
The Jagannath Temple in Digha was officially inaugurated by the West Bengal government on April 30. The temple is architecturally inspired by the 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri and enshrines the same deities.
The newly opened Jagannath Temple has significantly enhanced Digha’s appeal, driving the current tourism boom. Tamal Basu, Manager of Basu Group of Hotels Private Limited, linked the price hike to increased demand, saying that room rates have risen from around Rs 2000 to rs 2700 for deluxe rooms, and up to Rs 3500 on weekends.
Tourists have reported that hotel tariffs have doubled or even tripled in some cases, with several hotels charging extra even on advance bookings. This abrupt spike has upset many long-time visitors who share a sentimental connection with Digha.
The state government has also stepped in to regulate hotel tariffs, saying that prices cannot be increased arbitrarily. This intervention has received support from both tourists and hoteliers. Following the Chief Minister’s directive, the Digha Shankarpur Hoteliers Association also initiated measures to address overcharging.
In response to mounting complaints, the Digha Hotel Association has taken corrective steps. All hotels are now mandated to prominently display tariff charts.
Bipradas Chakraborty, Joint Secretary of the Association, acknowledged the grievances, saying, “Many of the complaints about hotel rates are valid. Several hotels have been overcharging.” He confirmed that the association conducted a meeting on Saturday, June 14, where they reiterated the directive to display tariff charts.
Chakraborty emphasised the need for fair treatment of tourists, calling them “the lifeblood of our hotel industry,” and warned of “stringent action” against overcharging.
With the Rath Yatra festival underway, hotel bookings are peaking once again. Authorities expect over one lakh tourists on the day of the festival.
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