May make part of Boi Para vehicle-free: Agnimitra Paul

Kolkata: A portion of College Street was being planned to make vehicle-free with only cycles allowed on the Boi Para stretch, said urban development and municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul on Thursday.

“We are looking into the possibility of making a portion of the road free of vehicles, with only cycles being allowed there. Benches will be set up and lights installed so that book lovers can sit there and read. There will be Wi-Fi for people to enjoy faster connectivity,” Paul said.

Her department has sought ideas from designers to make the road dividers innovative with provisions for digital hoardings. Paul added, “The idea is to have earn revenue from sustainable beautification. Revenue-earning is our prime agenda. We will make trams more attractive with specific routes. Trams are part of Kolkata’s identity.”

College Street Boi Para Samannay Samiti joint secretary Pratap Das said, “Traffic is a major problem here and a venue for protests and rallies. Those aspects have to be tackled to make this plan materialse. If the plan takes wings, it will be a boost for business. But the old-world charm of College Street should stay.” A bookseller, Abu Sorip, said, “If it boosts our business, we will welcome it but the development should benefit both customers and booksellers.”