kolkata-among-cities-selected-for-water-metro-service

Kolkata is set to get a Water Metro service, while the West Bengal government has decided to shift its proposed deep-sea port project from Tajpur to Dadanpatrabar as part of a broader plan to strengthen the state's transport and waterways infrastructure.

 

Speaking to the media at Nabanna on Thursday after a meeting with Union Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said discussions focused on waterways transport, port development and future infrastructure projects in the state.

 

The Chief Minister announced that Kolkata would become the 18th city in the country to introduce the Water Metro service, an eco-friendly public transport system that uses waterways to improve urban mobility. The service, first launched in Kochi, is being expanded to several cities under a phased programme of the central government.

 

Cities such as Guwahati, Srinagar, Patna, Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj have already been included in the initial phase of the expansion plan.

Also read: Sonowal pushes for inland waterways in Dimapur meet

Officials said Kolkata's extensive river network and long-standing dependence on water-based transport along the Hooghly River make it a suitable candidate for the project. The proposed service is expected to ease road congestion and strengthen the city's public transport network.

 

In another key announcement, the Chief Minister said the proposed deep-sea port at Tajpur would not move forward because of land-related constraints. The government has instead identified Dadanpatrabar, located around 10 km from Tajpur, as the new site for the project.

 

Around 1,700 acres of land have been earmarked for the proposed port, which the state hopes will enhance maritime connectivity and boost economic activity in the region.

 

Adhikari acknowledged that land acquisition issues had previously led to industrial groups withdrawing interest in the Tajpur project. However, he said the government was now focused on fast-tracking the port at the new location, with administrative preparations already underway.

 

The Chief Minister also indicated that the state may restructure the administrative framework governing waterways and port management. At present, these sectors are handled under a single administrative system.

 

A separate department could be created to oversee shipping, inland water transport, cargo services and port infrastructure, he said.