Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPA) and Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) have signed an MoU under SMPA’s CSR initiative to restore and reimagine the historic Kumartuli Ghat riverfront in North Kolkata on 11.7.2025.
The 300-meter stretch from Kumartuli Ghat to Champatala Ghat lies at the heart of Durga Puja, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. For centuries, Kumartuli’s idol-making, daily rituals, and community life have been inseparable from the Hooghly River. This project aims to revive that living connection for artisans, devotees, and citizens.
As part of the restoration work, the following activities have been undertaken for the restoration of Kumartuli Ghat:
- Heritage Restoration: Repair and retrofit of heritage ghat structures, temples, and shrines using traditional techniques to preserve the precinct’s sacred ambience.
- River Access & Safety: Strengthened bank protection, upgraded ritual platforms, pedestrian-friendly walkways, and universal access to the river edge.
- Public & Cultural Spaces: Dedicated zones for artisans, cultural events, passive recreation, boating, viewing decks, food courts, souvenir stalls, and community toilets.
- Green & Clean Riverfront: Ecological restoration with green embankments, native riverine plantations, and sacred groves inspired by Vrindavan.
- 24×7 Visitor Experience: Architectural illumination for ghats and Kumartuli facades, plus first aid, safety, and surveillance systems for a secure, well-managed environment.
Shri Rathendra Raman, Chairman, SMPA, said: “Kumartuli is Kolkata’s cultural soul. Through this partnership with APSEZ Ltd., we are not just restoring infrastructure but reviving a space woven into West Bengal’s identity. The project will make the ghat safer, cleaner, and more welcoming for all.”
The project will be completed before Durga Puja 2026 at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore.
The redevelopment will be executed in phases to ensure minimal disruption, especially during Durga Puja. On completion, Kumartuli Ghat will emerge as a vibrant, inclusive public space that blends Bengal’s artistic legacy with modern infrastructure.
