Inside Kumartuli ghat’s Rs 10-cr revival

Kumartuli, the iconic riverfront hub of idol-making, is witnessing a dual transformation ahead of Pujo. A Rs 10-crore redevelopment led by Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port with Adani Ports is reviving the 18th-century ghat, built by Raja Nabakrishna Deb, across a 300-metre stretch between Kumartuli and Champatala.

The project will introduce viewing decks, cultural zones and civic amenities while preserving its heritage. There is also a futuristic twist shaping up at the hub – an AI-inspired robotic Durga idol.A cultural hub by the HooghlyThe project includes strengthening the riverbank, restoring heritage structures and shrines, creating pedestrian-friendly walkways, viewing decks and boating facilities, and installing CCTV cameras and architectural lighting.

It will also feature dedicated spaces for artisans and cultural activities, along with food kiosks, souvenir stalls and community toilets to enhance the visitor experience.Debasish Bhattacharya, convenor of Kumartuli Sarbojanin Durgotsav and a Kumartuli resident for 64 years, said, "The redevelopment will transform Kumartuli Ghat into a vibrant public space while preserving its cultural identity. The riverfront will feature fibre-glass sculptures and art installations by Kumartuli artisans, which can be updated periodically.

Expanded gardens, seating areas, food kiosks and improved public amenities will make the ghat more welcoming, attractive and accessible for visitors and residents of all ages.

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A facelift rooted in heritageThe redevelopment spans a 300-metre stretch between Kumartuli and Champatala ghats and is part of a larger initiative to restore several historic ghats along the Hooghly River ahead of the festive season.Artist Amar Sarkar, associated with the Kumartuli Ghat beautification project, said, "Our aim is to beautify Kumartuli Ghat while preserving its historical character and identity.

The redevelopment will benefit residents, senior citizens and artisans alike. Wider, better-organised spaces are being created for idol immersions, while the expanded riverfront will improve accessibility and crowd movement during festivals.

Heritage houses surrounding the ghat will be artistically painted and illuminated, making the riverfront especially striking at night. We expect the project to be completed by September."

Kumartuli Ghat is an emotion for us: LocalsDhiman Das, owner of a renowned sweet shop and a lifelong Kumartuli resident, welcomed the redevelopment, saying the ghat has been central to his family's life for over 150 years. He appreciated that the project seeks to preserve the area's heritage while making it more beautiful, spacious and accessible.His bigger concern, however, is ensuring the revamped ghat remains well maintained.

He noted that parts of the area had, in recent years, become hotspots for public drinking and other undesirable activities, and hoped the redevelopment would bring better security, monitoring and upkeep.Addressing concerns that access to the ghat or bathing in the Ganga could become chargeable, Das said he would not oppose a nominal fee for certain facilities if it helps maintain cleanliness and infrastructure, provided the ghat remains accessible to everyone.

‘The project also aims to reconnect younger generations with the river’The redevelopment aims to reconnect Kolkata with its historic riverfront while safeguarding Kumartuli's cultural legacy. According to the project team, the vision is to revive the area's historic riverside approach so people can once again experience the Ganga as an integral part of the city. "Kumartuli is steeped in history and stories. There was the Raja's house here, and on the other side stood the poet's house.

Even Sri Ramakrishna visited this neighbourhood for treatment. We want to bring these stories back into public consciousness," they said.The project also seeks to reconnect younger generations with the river by creating an inclusive public space for recreation, rituals, cultural activities and everyday use. "Our intention is not to create an exclusive or gentrified space, but a people-centric public realm that retains Kumartuli's identity while making it more welcoming and functional for everyone," they added.Describing the initiative as a model for heritage-led urban renewal, the team said the goal is to preserve Kumartuli's character while enabling future generations to rediscover Kolkata's historic riverfront.

Quote blurbs:Kumartuli Ghat is an emotion for us. I welcome a redevelopment that preserves its heritage while ensuring better maintenance, security and cleanliness so the riverfront remains safe, accessible and welcoming for everyone – Dhiman DasI would rather call it the revitalisation of Kumartuli Ghat than mere beautification. Our focus is on preserving its heritage while creating a vibrant, people-friendly public space for future generations – Anjan Mitra, architect & principal urban designer, Kumartuli Ghat ProjectPics: Samik Sen