Kolkata to join Water Metro network, 18th city in India

Announcing a major boost to water-based urban transport, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday (June 4) said Kolkata would become the 18th city in the country to be connected to the Water Metro network.

"Kolkata will now be linked to the water metro system. The project has already been implemented at 17 locations across the country, including Kerala. Kolkata will be the 18th city to join the Water Metro chain," he said.

Separate shipping department

Also on Thursday, Adhikari said the state government is considering carving out a separate shipping wing from the transport department and exploring the development of minor ports on the lines of Gujarat and Odisha.

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Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat in Kolkata after a meeting with Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, Adhikari said the government was keen on strengthening maritime infrastructure and inland water transport in the state. Union Minister of State for Shipping, Ports Shantanu Thakur was also present at the meeting.

"Currently, the transport and shipping departments function together in the state. We are considering creating a separate shipping wing in the future. We are also examining the possibility of developing minor ports on the lines of states such as Gujarat and Odisha," Adhikari said.

Deep-sea project

The Chief Minister said work on the proposed deep-sea port project would move ahead on land identified at Dadanpatrabar, around 10 km from Tajpur.

"The Adani Group had withdrawn from the Tajpur project because the state did not have the required land. The state government is now providing 1,700 acres at Dadanpatrabar, around 10 km from Tajpur. Port-related work will move forward on that land," he said.

He also said the state would participate in the 'Sagarmala 2' programme and undertake large-scale jetty development.

"The state government will now be associated with the 'Sagarmala 2' project. As many as 44 new jetties will be constructed, while another 25 jetties will come up along national waterways," Adhikari said.

Gangasagar Mela

Referring to plans for the annual Gangasagar Mela, the CM said efforts were underway to elevate the pilgrimage event to the international stage.

"There are several proposals to develop Gangasagar Mela into an international event. The beach adjoining the Kapil Muni Ashram will be renovated. Six ghats along the Ganga are also being revamped. Work at Bagbazar Ghat, Ahiritola Ghat and other riverfront facilities will be completed before Durga Puja," he said.

The Chief Minister further said discussions were underway on setting up a museum at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port to showcase the history and heritage of old Kolkata.

"There is a proposal to establish a museum at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port where the history of old Kolkata will be presented to visitors," Adhikari added.

(With agency inputs)