The West Bengal government has confirmed that clearances have been advanced for the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s new testing facility in Junput, Times of India reported.

The project is located in Junput village in the Purba Medinipur district, close to the coastal town of Digha. It lies about 177 kilometres from Kolkata and approximately 70 kilometres from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The site spans 8.73 acres along the Bay of Bengal, giving it strategic access to coastal testing corridors.

The facility is intended to ease congestion at the Chandipur range, which has long been burdened with heavy testing workloads and operational traffic. By establishing this new centre, DRDO will be able to conduct trials for short‑range missiles, radar equipment, and a variety of weapon systems without overloading existing infrastructure.

This diversification of testing locations is expected to streamline operations and improve efficiency in India’s defence research programs.

Officials have clarified that earlier administrative delays had stalled progress, but these issues have now been resolved. State authorities have responded to pending clearances, ensuring that the project is firmly back on track. The move reflects a coordinated effort between the state government and DRDO to accelerate defence infrastructure development in the region.

The Junput facility’s proximity to Chandipur is significant, as it allows for complementary operations between the two ranges. Chandipur will continue to handle long‑range and strategic missile trials, while Junput will absorb short‑range and radar‑related testing.

This division of responsibilities is expected to reduce bottlenecks and enhance India’s overall testing capacity.

The location along the Bay of Bengal also provides a natural buffer zone for trials, minimising risks to populated areas. The coastal setting is advantageous for missile trajectory monitoring and radar calibration, making Junput an ideal site for such activities.

The project is part of a broader push to expand defence infrastructure in West Bengal, which has been highlighted by state officials as a key driver of investment and industrial growth.

The establishment of the Junput range underscores India’s commitment to strengthening indigenous defence capabilities. By reducing reliance on a single testing facility, DRDO is ensuring greater resilience and flexibility in its operations.

The project also signals the government’s intent to integrate regional development with national security priorities, positioning West Bengal as a contributor to India’s defence modernisation program.

Agencies