Siliguri today is a cosmopolitan with people from all over the country pouring in large numbers. The post independence flux of migrants from Bangladesh was the first boost. Even today the Bangladesh migrants and their families constitute the largest part of local population. Migrants from Rajasthan or the Marwaris dominate the business scene. The second wave came from the anti-bengali movement in Assam. Large numbers of Bengalis thrown out of their home in Assam choose Siliguri as their home. The most recent trend of migration is that of Nepalese population from the hills. Better education and job opportunity along with a better standard of living remains the primary reason for migration.

Siliguri today has an Airport, 3 rail stations, four major bus stands, about half a dozen markets, large number of shopping malls, hotels and business houses. It also has a University, A Medical College, 5 government colleges and about 5 more private ones, several private educational institutes have also cropped up. Apart from the district hospital, a number of private hospitals / nursing homes also provide healthcare service to the local populace. Almost all major newspapers are published locally, there are half a dozen movie theaters. Almost any company worth its name has its base in Siliguri today. Apparently this is just the beginning. The price of land has increased about 100 times over the last 15 years. The demand for housing has lead to the development of apartments in large scale, something unknown just 15 years back. New townships are also coming up to support the demand.

Siliguri is now well recognised as the second most important city in West Bengal after Calcutta. In the entire north east of India, its importance is probably second only to Guwahati, the capital of Assam.