ECI Expands Polling Network in West Bengal with 4,660 New Auxiliary Stations

April 4, 2026

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has approved the establishment of 4,660 auxiliary polling stations in West Bengal to improve voter convenience and ease congestion at busy booths ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. This decision forms part of the poll body’s broader efforts to ensure efficient, accessible, and transparent voting for all electors in the state.

The move comes as elections for the 294‑seat West Bengal Legislative Assembly are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 with vote counting on May 4.

Why Auxiliary Stations Were Introduced

Auxiliary polling stations are being added in areas where existing booths have more than 1,200 registered voters, a threshold used by the ECI to identify overcrowded centers. The primary goal is to reduce long queues, improve voter comfort, and enhance turnout by making it easier for electors to cast their ballots without unnecessary delay or hardship.

By adding these new auxiliary booths, the total number of polling stations in the state has increased to 85,379, marking a significant expansion of the electoral infrastructure in West Bengal ahead of the polls.

In addition to auxiliary stations, the Commission has also sanctioned the relocation of 321 polling booths to more accessible locations where necessary. Voters affected by these changes will be informed individually by electoral authorities to ensure awareness before polling day.

ECI’s Directives and Implementation Guidelines

In its communication to election officials, the ECI underscored that the establishment of auxiliary polling stations must strictly adhere to existing guidelines outlined in the Manual on Polling Stations, 2020. Officials have also been asked to conduct extensive publicity campaigns within local areas so that voters are aware of new or relocated stations well in advance.

The Commission has directed the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of West Bengal to ensure that:

• All affected voters are notified individually about changes in polling station locations.
• Recognised political parties are informed in writing about the creation and relocation of polling booths.
• Election staff and local administrators coordinate effectively to facilitate a smooth electoral process.

These steps are intended to avoid confusion on polling day and support a smoother, more organised voting experience for electors across the state.

Focus on Accessible and Fair Elections

Beyond auxiliary polling stations, the ECI has reiterated its commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair, transparent, and accessible to all. This includes the provision of Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) at all polling stations such as drinking water, shaded waiting areas, toilets with water, adequate lighting, ramps for persons with disabilities, proper signage, and voter assistance booths to make voting inclusive and comfortable.

The poll panel has also instructed officials to guard against intimidation, inducements, and any form of disruption that could hinder voters from exercising their democratic rights.

Looking Ahead to Assembly Elections

With these preparations underway, the ECI’s expansion of polling infrastructure is designed to support one of the largest electoral exercises in the country. As West Bengal heads to the polls in late April, the added auxiliary stations and strengthened voter communication strategies aim to boost participation and streamline the voting process for millions of electors across the region.