Kolkata’s College Street widely-known for its iconic ‘Boipara’ will not be turned into an entirely vehicle-free zone and its pavement book shops will not be razed, Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal assured on Wednesday.
Paul, who conducted a survey of College Street along with Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s (KMC) Commissioner Smita Pandey and senior officials from the urban development dpeartment, mentioned that only selected stretches would be made vehicle-free, with provisions for cycle tracks and battery-operated vehicles.
The minister said the proposed redevelopment would seek to preserve College Street’s historic identity while making it cleaner, more organised and attractive to visitors.
The plan is inspired by international models such as London’s Oxford Street and aims to create a modern, pedestrian-friendly public space that encourages reading, particularly among younger generations who are mostly hooked to smartphones and social media platforms.
Paul said the state government is mulling to have uniform, specially designed stalls for traders selling books, notepads and related stationery items. The aim is to organise the area without affecting the livelihoods of the small traders who have operated from the pavements for decades.
“We want to have a uniform design theme for the book stalls and those that sell stationary items in the area. This will give a cleaner look to College Street that has been a favourite desitination for generations, particularly students,” Pal told The Statesman on Wednesday.
She added that visitors would be able to access bicycles within the area, while battery-operated vehicles would be available for senior citizens and people with mobility challenges.
The broader proposal includes heritage-themed trams, uniform bookshops, vintage-style lamp posts, seating areas and free Wi-Fi, with the aim of creating a relaxed environment where visitors can browse books, read and spend time in the historic spot.
However, Paul clarified that the main connecting road through College Street would not be affected by the proposed changes for now, given its importance as a major traffic corridor.
During her visit, the minister interacted with pedestrians and pavement traders before holding discussions with officials on the proposed redevelopment and beautification plans.
Paul also visited multiple pavement stretches in the Park Street area and asked hawkers to keep pavements clear for pedestrians. She said she would return to inspect the area and check compliance.
The government is also considering a similar international-standard reading and recreational space in Asansol, along the stretch between Bhutaberia and Chhat Ghat on the Damodar riverfront in Asansol South.