Adani Group to Revive Kumartuli Ghat: Kolkata’s Cultural Soul Gets a Riverfront Renaissance

Image Source: Telegraph India

In a landmark move to preserve Kolkata’s artistic heritage, the Adani Group has partnered with Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMPK) to restore the historic Kumartuli Ghat, a revered site along the Hooghly River known for its centuries-old tradition of clay idol-making. The announcement, made on July 11, 2025, marks a significant step in blending heritage conservation with urban renewal.

What the Project Entails

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) and SMPK to redevelop and beautify the ghat under the port’s Swachhata initiative.
The plan includes cleaning, structural restoration, and accessibility upgrades, with a focus on environmental sustainability and heritage-sensitive design.
Design architects have been engaged to create a promenade-style riverfront, similar to Prinsep Ghat, aimed at reconnecting locals and tourists with the river.

Why Kumartuli Matters

Kumartuli is a clay modellers’ colony, globally renowned for crafting idols of Durga, Kali, and other deities.
The ghat has suffered from neglect, riverbank erosion, and poor waste management, threatening both its physical structure and cultural relevance.
The restoration is seen as a revival of Bengal’s artistic legacy, with officials calling it a “living heritage” that deserves pride of place in Kolkata’s identity.

Voices from the Ground

“This is not just a restoration project—it’s a revival of Bengal’s artistic soul,” said Rathendra Raman, Chairman of SMPK. “We’re proud to help renovate a space so sentimentally linked to Kolkata’s cultural fabric,” added Subrat Tripathy, President of Business Development at APSEZ.

Looking Ahead

If successful, SMPK may extend similar beautification efforts to other ghats like Mayer Ghat, Nimtala Ghat, and Telkal Ghat.
The Kumartuli Ghat redevelopment is expected to be completed by Durga Puja next year, offering a rejuvenated space for rituals, tourism, and community gatherings.

Sources: The Hindu BusinessLine, Goodreturns, Times of India, Rediff, Deccan Herald