Water metro for Kolkata, separate shipping division likely: Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Thursday that the state government is exploring significant reforms to bolster its maritime infrastructure. These plans include the potential creation of a separate shipping wing, carved out from the existing transport department, and the development of minor ports, drawing inspiration from successful models in Gujarat and Odisha.

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Currently, the transport and shipping departments function together in the state. We are considering creating a separate shipping wing in the future. We are also examining the possibility of developing minor ports on the lines of states such as Gujarat and Odisha.

Kolkata is poised to become the 18th city in India to integrate with the water metro network, a move that promises to significantly enhance urban water-based transportation. Adhikari highlighted that while 17 cities already benefit from this system, Kolkata's inclusion marks a major step forward for the state's public transit.

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Kolkata will now be linked to the water metro system. The project has already been implemented at 17 locations across the country, including Kerala. Kolkata will be the 18th city to join the chain.

Adhikari also revealed the state's intention to actively participate in the Sagarmala 2 program, the central government's flagship port-led development initiative. He noted that West Bengal had missed opportunities with Sagarmala 1 due to the previous government's lack of active engagement. "We are preparing project proposals worth ₹22,700 crore for implementation over the next five years," he stated, emphasizing that these projects will concentrate on coastal fishing infrastructure, island development, and other maritime-focused initiatives.

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The previous government did not actively participate in several key projects of the central government, and eventually, we missed the opportunity to be part of the Sagarmala 1 programme. However, yesterday, the PM approved the Sagarmala 2 programme, and we have decided to join it.

Further plans include the construction of 44 new jetties and discussions surrounding a proposal for an underground tunnel across the Hooghly River. Additionally, the state aims to elevate the annual Gangasagar Mela pilgrimage to an international level and has secured sanction for beach restoration projects on Sagar Island.

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We are preparing project proposals worth ₹22,700 crore for implementation over the next five years.