Ghatshila: The persistent irregularity of train schedules has begun to take a severe toll on the tourism industry in Ghatshila. A significant decline in tourists arriving from West Bengal—particularly from Kolkata and Howrah—has left local hotel operators facing mounting financial losses.
Due to unpredictable train delays, travellers are increasingly cancelling pre-booked hotel rooms. This trend has forced hotel owners to issue frequent refunds, further straining their revenue.
Sumanto Mukherjee, a local hotel operator, expressed deep concern over the situation. “The footfall of tourists has become negligible. Even the rooms booked well in advance are being cancelled because of train delays. This is currently our biggest challenge,” he stated.
Impact on Transport Providers
The crisis extends beyond the hospitality sector. Auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, who depend on tourist arrivals for their livelihood, are struggling to make ends meet. Many drivers who purchased vehicles on credit are now finding it difficult to even pay their monthly EMI installments, leaving them in a state of financial distress.
Staff Layoffs in Hotels
With the sharp drop in visitors, hotel owners have begun cutting costs by reducing their workforce. To manage monthly budgets and overheads, several establishments are downsizing. In many cases, operators are struggling to provide regular salaries to their remaining staff.
A Blow to the Local Economy
While Ghatshila is globally recognized for its copper reserves, it is equally famous for its tourism and literary heritage. However, the region currently suffers from a dire lack of facilities at popular tourist spots.
Furthermore, the lack of a reliable transport schedule is driving regular visitors from Bengal toward alternative destinations like Odisha and Digha. This shift in tourist preference is dealing a heavy blow to the overall economy of the Ghatshila region.
