Kolkata, West Bengal
Hooghly Corridor
"5.4 km pedestrian link, riverfront café and gallery
proposal for Bagbazar-Chandpal Ghat strech"
The Times of India
September 30. 2023
The Hooghly Corridor project envisions an integrated and sustainable urban renewal strategy along Kolkata’s riverfront. We propose to utilize the immense potential of transport oriented development (TOD) by unlocking unused transport infrastructure, particularly inland water transport. Historically, the Hooghly River was a thriving maritime axis, and our proposal aims to reinstate its relevance by integrating water transport with Kolkata’s existing mass transit systems—rail, circular rail, and metro—enhancing connectivity and mobility.
A key urban design intervention is our proposed pedestrian ribbon model, a flexible network that adapts to existing structures, ensuring last-mile connectivity and seamless integration of the urban fabric with the river. The model fosters accessibility, enhances public space, and promotes walkability, reinforcing the city’s relationship with the waterfront.
Beyond transit, our vision focuses on polycentric hubs—revitalized ferry terminals and ghats—as cultural and economic nodes. The Kumartuli Ghat, for instance, could be reimagined as an Artisan’s Experience Centre, celebrating its heritage while bolstering tourism and economic opportunities for local artisans. By prioritizing inclusive and sustainable growth, the Hooghly Corridor project seeks to rejuvenate the riverfront as a dynamic and resilient urban corridor.