Kolkata Port to redevelop Hooghly riverbanks, set up new river cruise terminal

By Admin

29 Aug, 2025

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is gearing up for a major transformation along the Hooghly riverbanks with an ambitious redevelopment plan led by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port-Kolkata (SMPK), formerly known as Kolkata Port. The initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure, promote river cruises, and restore the city’s historic ghats into vibrant cultural hubs.

IIT-Kharagpur to Shape the Riverbank Masterplan

To bring this vision to life, SMPK has partnered with IIT-Kharagpur, which has designed a comprehensive Riverbank Masterplan for both Kolkata and Howrah. The plan covers 357 acres along Kolkata riverbanks and 290 acres across the Howrah side. As part of the first phase, a 1-km riverbank stretch at Jorabagan will be developed, with tenders already floated. The project also includes dynamic lighting for the iconic Howrah Bridge, adding new charm to the city’s skyline.

World-Class River Cruise Terminal in the Works

A highlight of the project is the development of a world-class river cruise terminal in Bengal, modeled on successful examples in Varanasi and Assam. SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman emphasized the importance of this move, saying, “In order to start a river cruise, we need a world-class river cruise terminal…We are building a river cruise terminal in Bengal with the help of the Inland Waterways Authority of India.”

This terminal is expected to position Kolkata as a prime destination for luxury river cruises, connecting the Hooghly with historical towns and cultural landmarks.

Expanding Tourism and Public Spaces

The redevelopment is not just about cruises but also about revitalizing public spaces. SMPK has announced plans to build Millennium Park 3, following the success of Millennium Park 1 and 2, turning it into a bustling tourism destination on the Hooghly.

Other key highlights include:

• An iconic project at Armenian Ghat, where four acres will be developed with a museum.
  
  

• Five to six ghats to be redeveloped through CSR initiatives by corporates.
  
  

• Plans to turn the riverbanks into hubs of cultural and recreational activity, blending heritage with modernity.
  
  

Government and Industry Collaboration

The project has drawn strong support from the West Bengal government. Minister of State for Tourism Indranil Sen confirmed that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has shown keen interest and directed departments to collaborate with SMPK.

Speaking at the Tourism Conclave organized by the Merchant Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), SMPK chairman Raman said, “Unlike other parts of the country, tourism in West Bengal, despite immense diversity, is less explored. The port can be instrumental in driving tourism in the state through river cruises.”

The event was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary of Home & Tourism Nandini Chakravorty, MCCI Chairman (Council on Hospitality & Tourism) Naresh Kumar Agarwal, and Chamber President Amit Saraogi.

Focus on Sustainable Tourism

The initiative aligns with the Responsible Tourism Mission 2025, floated by a National Task Force to provide policy recommendations for sustainable tourism. At the conclave, Debjit Dutta, Chairman of Indian Association of Tour Operators (WB chapter), emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term benefits for communities and the environment.

A New Chapter for Kolkata’s Riverfront

With these transformative plans, the Hooghly riverbanks are set to become a hub of tourism, culture, and leisure. From luxury cruises to revitalized ghats, museums, and iconic projects, this initiative is poised to reshape Kolkata’s connection with its river bringing the city’s heritage alive while paving the way for modern tourism growth.