Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Kolkata (SMPK) and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) have signed an MoU to rejuvenate the historic Kumartuli Ghat riverfront in Kolkata. This 300-meter stretch holds great significance during the Durga Puja celebrations, not only in Kolkata but globally. Idols crafted along the Hooghly riverbank here are transported to Puja pandals in Kolkata, various districts of West Bengal, the US, and several European countries.
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Durga Puja in Kolkata has deep-rooted connections with Kumartuli’s idol-making traditions and community life intertwined with the Hooghly river. The restoration project for Kumartuli Ghat riverfront aims to reestablish this connection for artisans, devotees, and the public. The initiative includes repairing and upgrading heritage ghat structures, temples, and shrines using traditional methods to maintain the area’s sacred essence.
The restoration project will also focus on enhancing bank protection, improving ritual platforms, creating pedestrian-friendly walkways, and ensuring universal access to the river’s edge. Dedicated zones will be allocated for artisans, cultural activities, passive recreation, and boating. Additionally, the development will prioritize ecological sustainability by incorporating green embankments, native plantations, and sacred groves inspired by Vrindavan.
Architectural illumination will be installed for the ghats and Kumartuli facades, along with safety measures such as first aid facilities and surveillance systems to ensure a secure environment. Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMPK, expressed that the partnership with APSEZ Limited aims not only to restore infrastructure but also to revive a space integral to West Bengal’s cultural identity. The project, estimated at Rs 10 crore, is set to be completed before the upcoming Durga Puja, with a phased approach to minimize disruptions, particularly during the festive season.
Upon completion, Kumartuli Ghat is expected to transform into a lively and inclusive public space that harmonizes Bengal’s artistic heritage with contemporary infrastructure.
