Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port-Kolkata (SMPK), formerly known as the Kolkata Port, has hired IIT-Kharagpur to help develop the Hooghly riverbanks and the ghats in Kolkata as part of a project to boost tourism.
The port authority is also working on a master plan to develop a terminal to promote river cruises in Bengal, similar to Varanasi and Assam.
“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,” SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman said.
A tender will soon be floated for this, he said, speaking at a tourism conclave organised by the Merchant Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI).
SMPK is developing the riverbanks in Kolkata and Howrah as part of a Riverbank Masterplan. “We have 357 acres of land along Kolkata riverbanks and 290 acres across the Howrah riverbanks. We have roped in IIT-KGP for this. They have come up with a plan,” Raman said. “A tender has been floated to develop a 1-km riverbank stretch at Jorabagan. We will introduce dynamic lighting in Howrah Bridge and a tender has been floated.”
“Unlike other parts of the country, tourism in West Bengal, despite immense diversity, is less explored,” he said. “The port can be instrumental in driving tourism in the state through river cruise,” Raman said.
Bengal minister of state for tourism Indranil Sen said “chief minister Mamata Banerjee is interested in this project and has instructed us to proceed with discussion. We are eager to join hands with SMPK and work on this project.”
Raman said the Hooghly River formed a natural corridor for river cruises, connecting Kolkata and other historical towns. “Our intention is to make the riverbanks as hubs of activity…After the KMDA (Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority) developed Millennium Park 1 and 2, we are going to develop Millennium Park 3, a tourism destination on the River Hooghly,” he said.
“An iconic project will be taken up in the Armenian Ghat in four acres…A Museum will also be set up,” he said. “Around five-six ghats will be developed by corporates under CSR projects.”
Additional chief secretary-Departments of Home & Tourism Nandini Chakravorty, MCCI chairman (Council on Hospitality & Tourism) Naresh Kumar Agarwal, and chamber president Amit Saraogi were among those present at the event.
The SMPK chairman was speaking at a Tourism Conclave organized by the Merchant Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI). SMPK, was formally known as Kolkata Port Trust. Additional Chief Secretary- Departments of Home &Tourism Nandini Chakravorty, MCCI Chairman (Council on Hospitality & Tourism) Naresh Kumar Agarwal, Amit Saraogi , President of the Chamber were also present.
Debjit Dutta, Chairman of Indian Association of Tour Operators (WB chapter) emphasized on the need of sustainable tourism. Responsible Tourism Mission 2025 has been floated by a National Task Force to give policy recommendations for sustainable tourism.