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Time of India
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Adani Group to restore, beautify Kumartuli Ghat
Kolkata: Adani Group is set to develop the historic Kumartuli Ghat. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) for the redevelopment, restoration and beautification of the ghat. An official of KpT pointed out that the agreement, signed at the SMPK head office, marks a significant partnership with the private sector to rejuvenate a cultural and heritage-rich location along the Hooghly river. As part of this MoU, the Kumartuli Ghat — known for its legacy in traditional idol-making — will undergo heritage-compliant redevelopment and beautification, with focus on environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity. An official of Adani Group said that the redevelopment project was part of the CSR initiative of Adani Port. "This is the first time we will redevelop a ghat along the Ganges," the official added. He added that architect Anjan Mitra has been appointed for planning the redevelopment. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Rathendra Raman, chairman, SMP Kolkata, Subrat Tripathy, president, business development, APSEZ Ltd, and Sanjay K Thade, consultant, APSEZ, were present during the MoU signing. Raman said, "Kumartuli Ghat is not just a site, it is a living legacy of Bengal's artistic soul. Through this partnership with Adani Ports, we are not only restoring a physical structure but also reviving a space deeply woven into Kolkata's cultural fabric. This initiative is a proud moment in our Swachhata drive, where heritage meets modern civic responsibility." He added, "We deeply appreciate Adani Ports' commitment to this vision. Their contribution will be visibly acknowledged at the ghat, reminding all visitors of what collaborative action can achieve." Tripathy said that taking responsibility to renovate a heritage ghat like Kumartuli, which has emotional connect with Kolkatans, was an honour for them. KpT officials added that the restoration effort will not only preserve the heritage architecture of the ghat but will also make it cleaner, safer, and more welcoming to artisans, locals and tourists alike, thus giving a fresh lease of life to one of Kolkata's most iconic waterfronts.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Restoration of New Market clock tower may start in a fortnight
Kolkata: A report detailing the scope of work for the restoration of the New Market clock tower was submitted to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) by restoration architect Anjan Mitra on Wednesday. The document will form the basis of an agreement to be signed between KMC, which owns the 151-year-old market, and Trisys, which is coordinating the restoration funded by a private firm. According to Mitra, though the project received an in-principle approval, a formal agreement needs to be signed, which is likely to be concluded within a fortnight. Though the tower with the four-faced clock and its Westminster chimes survived many monsoons and storms, it was left battered and bruised by cyclonic storm Amphan. Lack of maintenance thereafter led to further damage. Water seeped in, causing cracks in the structure. The timber floors and decorative elements, including cast iron railings, will have to be redone. The wooden slats in the spire have fallen apart and the Westminster chimes and hourly dongs have stopped. Portions of the intricate glasses that made up the 7-ft diameter dials went missing and wild vegetation has taken root. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo There is also fungal growth. "We will have to strengthen the structural stability of the tower, stop seepage of water, repair the flooring and the interior, improve light and ventilation, replace damaged artwork, and overhaul the clock and its chiming mechanism. The entire work will take around six months," said Mitra, who will lead the restoration team for the project. He has restored the Metropolitan Building, Howrah Town Hall, and Sister Nivedita's house. Before work begins, Mitra also wants KMC to ensure coordination with police for temporary closure of Fenwick Bazar Street when required, arrangement for electric supply, site to stock repair and restoration material, and identify a place to set up temporary labour shelter. KMC MMiC market Amiruddin (Bobby) assured the civic body's cooperation with the agency undertaking the restoration. "We want the clock tower to be restored in a manner that will wow visitors and will do everything needed to extend our cooperation," he said. Swapan and Satyajit Dutta, the father-son duo that repaired and revived multiple public clock mechanisms in the city in recent years, will undertake the restoration of the Gillett & Johnston clock of the UK, in which one mechanism operates all four clocks. "The clock will need a thorough overhaul. The entire process will take around two months," said Satyajit. This is the first such restoration of a govt property to be funded by a private firm. Trisys CEO Mudar Patherya, who has banded together heritage lovers to form Kolkata Restorers that crowd-funded illumination of public buildings and repairs of public clocks, said city-based private firm Techno Electric decided to fund the restoration of the New Market clock tower. Company MD P P Gupta said, "I came to the city 50 years ago as a bank employee, ventured into business and established myself. It feels good to be able to do something for the city."
