Kolkata is likely to join the growing list of Indian cities set to receive Water Metro services. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday announced that the state government has initiated steps to introduce the modern water-based public transport system in the city.
The announcement came after a meeting at Nabanna between the Chief Minister and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Several decisions related to inland waterways, port infrastructure and river transport were discussed during the meeting.
Water Metro was first introduced in Kochi, Kerala, where the service has been operational and received a positive response. Following its success, the Centre proposed expanding the model to 18 cities across the country. The first phase includes cities such as Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj. Tezpur and Dibrugarh are also on the list.
Speaking to reporters, Adhikari confirmed that Kolkata is now being considered for the project, and preparations are underway.
West Bengal to join Sagarmala 2 project
The Chief Minister also announced that West Bengal will be part of the Sagarmala 2 programme, a major infrastructure initiative focused on shipping, logistics and trade-related development.
According to him, the state could not benefit from the first phase of the project because of the “unwillingness and incompetence” of the previous government. He said West Bengal is expected to receive projects worth around ₹22,700 crore under Sagarmala 2.
44 new jetties planned across the state
Several infrastructure projects linked to waterways and river transport were also announced. The Chief Minister said 44 jetties will be developed across the state. In addition, work is progressing on 25 jetties under the National Waterways programme.
He also revealed that renovation and beautification work has started at several Kolkata riverfront ghats, including Bagbazar, Ahiritola, Shobhabazar, Mallick Ghat, Ramakrishna Ghat and Bandha Ghat. Officials have been instructed to complete the work before Durga Puja.
Focus on Gangasagar and port area development
The state government has set a target of developing the Gangasagar Mela into an internationally recognised event. Plans are also being prepared to improve the condition of the beach area near Kapil Muni Ashram.
Adhikari further said that strict measures would be taken to curb illegal activities and encroachments in the Kolkata Port region. He also announced that the Transport Department and Shipping Department would function separately in the future.
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New deep-sea port proposed near Tajpur
Another major announcement concerned the development of a new deep-sea port. The Chief Minister said a port would be developed at Dadanpatrabar Ghat, located around 10 kilometres from Tajpur. According to him, the state does not have adequate land or supporting infrastructure available at Tajpur for port construction.
He stated that around 1,700 acres of land are available at Dadanpatrabar Ghat, making it a suitable location for the proposed project. The new port is expected to strengthen maritime connectivity and support trade-related activities in the region.
