West Bengal Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul inspected Kolkata’s College Street as the state government unveiled plans to transform the iconic book district on the lines of London’s Oxford Street.
West Bengal Government Plans Major Revamp of College Street
The West Bengal government has unveiled an ambitious plan to revamp Kolkata’s iconic College Street, drawing inspiration from London’s famous Oxford Street. Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Wednesday visited the historic academic and cultural hub to review the proposed makeover.
Accompanied by Kolkata Municipal Corporation Commissioner Smita Pandey and other officials, the minister toured the area, interacted with pedestrians and shopkeepers, and assessed the scope of the redevelopment project.
College Street, known for its centuries-old bookstores and educational institutions, is regarded as one of the largest second-hand book markets in the world.
Oxford Street-Inspired Redevelopment Planned
According to the state government’s proposal, parts of College Street will be redesigned to resemble London’s Oxford Street, with a focus on creating a pedestrian-friendly environment.
Under the plan, a section of the area will be declared a no-vehicle zone. The government intends to relocate bookstores and notebook shops from the main road and establish uniform stalls for traders.
The redesigned district will feature book cafés, reading spaces and dedicated cycling lanes, while benches will be installed to encourage visitors to spend more time reading and exploring the area.
“The place will have bookstores, notebook shops and book cafés. There will be a no-vehicle zone. Bicycles will ply, and battery-operated cars will be available for the elderly,” Agnimitra Paul said.
Focus on Bringing Young People Back to Books
The minister said the initiative aims to encourage younger generations to reconnect with books and reduce their dependence on mobile phones and the digital world.
“This special initiative is being taken to get the next generation out of the addiction to mobile and digital platforms and turn them towards books again,” she said.
According to the proposal, visitors will not be allowed to bring personal bicycles into the zone. Instead, bicycles will be available at designated stands within the area.
Battery-operated vehicles will also be introduced to assist elderly visitors and improve accessibility.
Main College Street to Remain Unchanged for Now
While outlining the project, Paul clarified that the government does not intend to make major changes to the main College Street corridor immediately because it serves as an important traffic route in central Kolkata.
“We will not touch the main College Street now because it is an important traffic zone. Shops will be relocated from the main street, and we will create stalls with similar designs for shopkeepers,” she said.
Officials said the sidewalks and adjoining roads selected for redevelopment would be redesigned while preserving the historical and cultural character of the area.
Balancing Heritage and Modern Urban Design
The proposed makeover seeks to combine College Street’s literary heritage with modern urban planning and improved public spaces.
Known for landmarks such as universities, colleges and countless bookshops, the area has long been a symbol of Kolkata’s intellectual and cultural life.
If implemented, the redevelopment project could transform College Street into a unique pedestrian and cultural destination while retaining its identity as the city’s historic centre of learning and literature.
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal government plans to revamp College Street on the lines of London’s Oxford Street.
- Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul inspected the area on Wednesday.
- Parts of College Street will become a no-vehicle zone.
- The project includes book cafés, reading spaces and bicycle facilities.
- Battery-operated vehicles will be introduced for elderly visitors.
FAQs
Why is College Street being redeveloped?
The state government aims to modernise the area while encouraging young people to reconnect with books and reading.
What changes are planned for College Street?
The project includes a no-vehicle zone, book cafés, bicycle access, reading spaces and redesigned stalls for shopkeepers.
Will the main College Street road be closed to traffic?
No. The government has said that the main road will remain unchanged for now because it is an important traffic corridor.
How will elderly visitors travel within the redeveloped area?
Battery-operated vehicles will be available to help elderly visitors move around the area.
