[1]West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said that the cash-strapped state government would seek public-private-partnership (PPP) for the beautification of the riverfront.
Ms Banerjee explained that just as London had evolved around river Thames, she wanted Kolkata to emerge around river Hooghly as an attractive tourist destination.
Her plans include installation of a London Eye type giant wheel along river Hooghly.
“But we do not have the funds and infrastructure like London to carry out the beautification of the riverfront project. We are doing the pilot project on one kilometre stretch with our own resources but we will opt for PPP model for the completion of the entire 10-km project,” she added.
She was speaking at the inauguration of the pilot project of “Hooghly River Front Development Kolkata” at the Millennium Park.
In her election manifesto, Ms Banerjee had promised that she would turn Kolkata into London. On Tuesday, she said that she would bring London to Kolkata. The beautification of the riverfront would play an important role in the facelift of Kolkata.
Ms Banerjee said that she would welcome any cooperation from British deputy high commissioner Sanjay Wadvani who was invited as the guest.
West Bengal government, Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Kolkata Port Trust and the Railways are collaborating on the project.
The Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES) has prepared the comprehensive master plan on river front beautification and its commercial uses.
Ms Banerjee expressed confidence that after the completion of the pilot project, many private investors would come forward to complete the remaining 9 km.
She said that hers was a “green and dream project” which would be environment-friendly.
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