Upcoming Infrastructure & Connectivity Projects in Kolkata

Located in the Indian state of West Bengal, Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta until 2001, stands as the epitome of cultural richness and historical significance. Known as the cultural capital of India, Kolkata has always been a vibrant epicentre of art, literature, and intellectual pursuits. 

Kolkata, once renowned for its classic old-world charm, is now experiencing rapid development and transformation. From expressways to highways to ports, Kolkata is witnessing the emergence of a series of infrastructure projects.

Notable Infrastructure and Connectivity Projects

Kolkata Siliguri Expressway

The Kolkata Siliguri Expressway project is one of the upcoming mega projects in Kolkata, West Bengal. The central government plans to allocate Rs 25,000 crore to the completion of the project. The four-lane highway corridor will be 675 kilometres long. The journey from Kolkata to Siliguri currently takes between 15 and 18 hours, sometimes longer. The new expressway aims to reduce the travel time from Siliguri to Kolkata by half, to about 7 hours. As per residential project is concerned Godrej New Alipore project is epitome of residential luxury.

Tajpur Sea Port

Tajpur is going to be West Bengal’s first deep-sea harbour, located in the East Midnapore district. The project is expected to create new employment opportunities for 25,000 people, with a proposed investment of Rs 15,000 crore for the port's growth and development. The government has allocated Rs 10,000 crore for the port-related infrastructure construction, resulting in a total investment of Rs 25,000 crore.

Varanasi Kolkata Expressway

One of the most popular connectivity projects, the Varanasi Kolkata Expressway, will reduce travel time between the two cities from 14 hours to 7 hours. The 242 km long, 8-lane expressway will cost Rs 28,500 crore and primarily benefit Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.

Kalyani Airport

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) considers Kalyani to be the best location for a second-city airport after the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport due to its proximity to Kolkata and good road connectivity. Kalyani Airport is set to enhance Kolkata's infrastructure and accessibility.

World Trade Center Kolkata

The World Trade Center will cover 3.5 million square feet, with an investment of around Rs 1,500 crore, providing employment for 30,000 people. The American World Trade Center management is looking to establish a branch in Kolkata for direct trade to the eastern states of India.

Industrial Corridors

The state government is working on completing three industrial corridors in West Bengal: Raghunathpur-Tajpur, Dankuni-Kalyani, and Dankuni-Kharagpur. Once finished, these corridors are expected to have a significant impact on the state's industrial sector, creating new opportunities for industries to thrive and grow.

Kolkata Airport Expansion

The NSCBI Airport in Kolkata plans to extend its terminal building to accommodate an additional two million passengers. The project will start when international flights resume and is expected to cost around INR 130 crores. The current terminal can handle 26 million passengers yearly and will be expanded to accommodate 28 million after the project.

Raxaul Haldia Expressway

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for the construction of the Greenfield Expressway from Raxaul to Haldia in Bengal. The 695 km long Raxaul-Haldia Expressway is set to start construction in 2024, with an estimated cost of 54 thousand crore rupees. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved this project to enhance the connectivity of Nepal Port to Haldia Port in West Bengal. Once completed, the distance from Deoghar to Kathmandu can be covered in just 12 hours.

Kolkata Metro Expansion

The expansion of the Kolkata Metro is amongst the most prominent Kolkata infrastructure projects. The Kolkata Metro network plans to extend by 100 kilometres by 2026, covering Phase 1 of the Joka to Esplanade and New Garia to Kolkata airport sections. New lines are being constructed to connect the entire city. Line 3, the Purple Line, will connect Joka in the south to Esplanade in the north. The Yellow Line extension by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited will connect Noapara to the Barasat area. The Pink Line 5 is a planned corridor to provide connectivity from North Kolkata to mainland Kolkata.

Tajpur Purulia Industrial Corridor

West Bengal is building a 500-kilometer industrial corridor from Purulia to Tajpur port city. This will benefit steel, iron ore, edible oil, and cement industries. The deep-sea port’s access will speed up product movement. The state government will handle connectivity from the port to create an inviting environment for investment.

The city of Kolkata has undergone substantial development in its infrastructure, which has had a direct impact on its real estate market. The city's enhanced transportation system has significantly improved accessibility, leading to an overall higher quality of life for its residents. This growth has not only made the city more attractive for potential real estate investors but has also positively impacted the daily lives of its inhabitants.