Bidhanpally, Kolkata

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced that Kolkata will soon have a Water Metro and two new inter-city metro services connecting Asansol-Durgapur and Siliguri-Jalpaiguri. This initiative aims to revolutionize public transport and improve connectivity across the state.

The West Bengal government has announced plans to build a second airport for the Kolkata region in Kalyani, aiming to alleviate congestion at the existing airport and improve air connectivity. The project involves identifying 1,000 to 1,500 acres of land for a greenfield airport.

The railway ministry has initiated land acquisition for a 1.7 km extension of the Kolkata Metro's Purple Line, which will connect Joka to Diamond Park via IIM-Calcutta. A tender worth Rs 378 crore has been floated for this project, which is expected to be completed within 30 months of land acquisition.

Businesses in West Bengal are anticipating improved infrastructure development and increased investment from the new state government. Targeted incentives, power sector reforms, and a better ease of doing business are expected to attract investments, create jobs, and boost industrial expansion across the state.

NITI Aayog has released a roadmap for urban governance reforms aimed at addressing common issues faced by urban residents and homebuyers, such as delayed building approvals, irregular water supply, and project delays. The report, 'Moving Towards Effective City Government,' focuses on strengthening city governments to improve services, enhance accountability, and streamline processes.

Kolkata's real estate sector is witnessing a growing emphasis on green living practices, including sustainable housing projects and the restoration of natural ecosystems. Luxury buyers are prioritizing health-focused, well-ventilated homes with eco-friendly amenities.

The West Bengal Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) now includes projects on plots as small as 3 cottahs under its regulation. This move aims to bring smaller developers and projects under regulatory oversight, protecting buyers from unethical practices like project delays or incomplete construction.1 Cottah is app 126 square meters in area.

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has initiated a demolition drive targeting dilapidated and unsafe buildings across the city to prevent potential collapses before the monsoon season and improve urban safety. The KMC is issuing 'express orders' for the demolition of structures deemed unsafe and irreparable, with over 150 buildings identified for urgent attention.

Construction work for the Chingrighata Metro project in Kolkata is stalled and unlikely to resume in March due to the need for traffic diversions and clearance from Kolkata Police. Metro officials are in talks with the police to find a suitable window for construction to recommence, which is crucial for alleviating traffic pressure on the EM Bypass.