Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata Along with Kolkata Police, KMC Hosts Stakeholders' Meet
to Accelerate Ghat Revitalisatio
Kolkata, September 13, 2025
Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port,
Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: Convened a critical stakeholders' meeting to advance the comprehensive revitalisation of Kolkata's historic ghats along the Hooghly River. The session, chaired by Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMP, Kolkata, brought together key civic authorities, enforcement agencies, and corporate partners to ensure a collaborative and streamlined approach to the riverfront development initiative.
Shri Manoj Kumar Verma, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata; Shri Devendra Prakash Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police-I, Kolkata; Shri Rupesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Kolkata Police; Shri Harikrishna Pai, DC (Port Divn.), Shri P. K. Dhua, Technical Advisor to the Mayor, Shri Partha Sarathi Samanta, DG (Environment & Heritage), representatives of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) were present at the meeting. They were joined by Shri Samrat Rahi, Deputy Chairman, SMPK, and other senior officials of SMP Kolkata.
The meeting focused on aligning the efforts of various organisations that have committed to the ambitious project under SMPK’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The following organisations presented their detailed plans for specific ghats.
The Adani Ports and SEZ Ltd expressed their interest to beautify the entire riverfront urban precinct between two ghats, Kumartuli Ghat and Champatala Ghat.
GRSE Ltd. was received for the beautification of Bagbazar Mayer Ghat and Surinam Ghat.
The Nimtala immersion ghat has been adopted by PS Group (a private organisation) for development and beautification.
Another Ghat, namely, Chotelal Ghat has been considered for conservation and rejuvenation by IHCL Group (Taj Hotels) through adaptive reuse and conversion of the area into an active and lively recreation and entertainment zone for both the citizens and tourists.
To the South of the city lies Daighat, which has been undertaken by TNS Logi Park Pvt Ltd. for development.
SMP Kolkata has already signed MoUs with these above organisations/PSUs/corporates. Projects are under the design stage.
Discussions centered on the cultural, social, and tourism potential of the proposed developments. Participants engaged in a constructive dialogue, addressing the practicalities and sustainability of each project while ensuring that the heritage character of the riverfront is preserved.
In his address, Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMP Kolkata highlighted the significance of the collaborative effort. "The ghats of Kolkata are deeply intertwined with our heritage and daily life. This collaborative dialogue ensures that redevelopment remains inclusive, sustainable, and respectful of tradition while creating spaces that serve both citizens and visitors. Today’s meeting was pivotal in aligning efforts and responsibilities for seamless execution," Shri Raman stated.
In this context, Shri Manoj Kumar Verma, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, mentioned, “The ghats of Kolkata are more than just scenic waterfronts; they are sacred spaces that hold profound spiritual and cultural significance for the city's residents. Any renovation work, therefore, must be approached with a deep sense of responsibility, following the safety measures for the people, ensuring it is meticulously planned to be both public-centric and respectful of this rich heritage.”
The Ghats of Kolkata have been an integral part of the culture of Bengal. They also have distinctly cultural and religious significance, as many rituals take place next to the river, at the ghat. But in the last few decades, their relevance has declined steadily. The ghats lost their charm because of increasing pollution in the river and its surroundings. But in Kolkata, still there is a sense of attachment to these ghats among the people, lending them great significance. The Hoogly River runs through the side of the city, and with it, the many ghats on its bank are still visited by people and tourists. Therefore, these ghats upon refurbishment and with proper planning initiatives can be restored to their lost glory, becoming a space for recreation and entertainment for the citizens as well as the tourists.
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