A River Reborn: Kolkata's Grand Plan for Hooghly's Banks

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), in collaboration with IIT-Kharagpur, is developing a comprehensive Riverbank Masterplan to rejuvenate the Hooghly riverbanks and ghats across Kolkata and Howrah.

The initiative aims to boost tourism by establishing a world-class river cruise terminal, inspired by similar infrastructure in Varanasi and Assam. SMPK Chairman Rathendra Raman noted, “To launch a river cruise service, we require top-tier terminal facilities. We are building such a terminal in Bengal with support from the Inland Waterways Authority of India.”

A tender has been issued for the development of a one-kilometre stretch at Jorabagan, with additional plans for dynamic lighting on Howrah Bridge to enhance visual appeal.

Key components of the project include transforming Millennium Park 3 into a major tourism hub, developing Armenian Ghat with an integrated museum, and restoring five to six ghats through CSR initiatives. Officials emphasised that all interventions will align with the Responsible Tourism Mission 2025, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.