KMC and Kolkata Port Agree on Parking Lot to Reduce CBD Congestion
A KMC official informed that Fairlie Place might be one of the locations considered for the car parking plaza.
Mayor Firhad Hakim, who held a meeting with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Chairman Rathendra Raman at the KMC headquarters, later stated that both parties had reached a consensus on the need to construct the multi-level car parking plaza under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Hakim also revealed that the port authorities had agreed to undertake shore protection work at several major ghats along the Hooghly River, including Nimtala, Ahiritala, and Bagbazar, where soil erosion has caused significant damage. Additionally, the port authorities would need to assess other ghats, such as Doi Ghat (Kidderpore), Prinsep Ghat, and Babughat.
The mayor mentioned that the civic body would assist in the renovation of the iconic Howrah Bridge. He explained that the port authorities had engaged a foreign consultancy firm to conduct a health audit of the heritage bridge. The firm recommended renovating the bridge to extend its lifespan, and Hakim confirmed that the KMC would offer full support for the renovation work.
The KMC has also shown interest in the restoration and modernization of the Mullickghat wholesale flower market, in collaboration with the state horticulture department. The mayor indicated that the KMC had sought cooperation from the port authorities, as the land in question falls under their jurisdiction. He expressed hope that the long-pending issue of modernisation would be resolved soon, enabling the work to proceed without further delays.
The KMC has requested permission from the port to allow access to an extended section of Millennium Park, which has been off-limits to the public.