Friday, February 7, 2014

British Minister in Kolkata

Greg Parker, British Minister, came to Kolkata today. I attended the inaugural session of a seminar with British and Indian participants at Grand Hotel. In my short speech, I mentioned that while we were doing our best to solve urban problems, we were open to ideas from London - or elsewhere - that would enable us to do it better. A photograph:

At Oberoi Grand today
L-R: Me, Br Dy HC, Minister Barker
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Earlier, in the morning, Chief Secretary took a meeting with World Bank where it was decided that a comprehensive Kolkata & Howrah Riverfront Development Scheme would be drawn up and posed to World Bank. Dr Genneve Connors and Mr P. Iyer participated in the discussions.
* * *
Here are two press clippings that appeared today:
Bartaman dt 7.2.14

Pratidin dt 7.2.14

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7 comments:

  1. UnknownFebruary 8, 2014 at 4:24 AM

    Dear sir,
    I want to draw your kind attention on the circular railway and riverfront development project. As you know, presently doubling is undergoing between Princep-ghat and Majerhut. (5 k.m). So after that only princep-ghat to Tala will remain as a single track(7 k.m).

    My proposal:
    Govt. should think seriously about making full circular railway as a double track and make new terminal at Majerhut. It will reduce pressure from Sealdah. More lacal train then terminate at Majerhut. and frequency on the circular railway can be reduced to 10-15 min from present level of 1 hr. Moreover, the circular railway would become popular and efficient.

    As space is a constraint, the whole stretch may be elevated but it goes under Howrah Bridge (presently an elevated suburban rail has been planed in Mumbai).

    The sewage line may diverted to the south ward direction under this stretch.

    And the riverfront parks can be extended upto stand road. This would make the park broader.

    For this a proper master-plan is needed between Princep ghat-Tala (7.5 k.m).

    Regards
    Shubhashis

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownFebruary 9, 2014 at 3:16 PM

      Good suggestions, Shubhasis, but we are now concentrating on the 3-4 metro projects under construction

      Delete
  2. AbhishekFebruary 8, 2014 at 5:48 AM

    Underpass was really needed near Eco Park. Good planning indeed. However following things are also needed :

    (a) Underpass Near Unitech IT Park Gate 1
    (b) Alternate Road from South Kolkata to New Town byepassing Chingrihata ( I think DPR must be ready by now)
    (c) Vehicular Underpass / Magic Box near Chinar Park

    14 institutions have already taken up land in Financial Hub and we are not making any press / media coverage !!! I am shocked to say the least. At least these type of positive news should make headlines. Thanks to your stupendous effort in making a greenfield venture successful. I found the latest list of companies here:

    http://www.wbhidcoltd.com/org_desc_pjt.php?pg=invclients&typ=fh&pg_sub=clients

    Also, with a good amount of investments committed now from outside the state as well as from private sector ( I noticed "Shriram Credit"), now we should make a renewed effort at road show in Mumbai as well as international destinations like London, New York and Singapore. With the British delegation in town, I think we should not leave the opportunity in promoting the financial hub.

    However, thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anjan BanerjeeFebruary 8, 2014 at 6:59 AM

    Subways near Eco Park is welcome move.
    Since Newtown is close to airport, we should also think of an aviation hub in Newtown which will be unique in the country. It can be center for aerospace companies will provide trainng, research and development. UK can play a big part in this venture.

    As an example, please see the Singapore Seletar Aerospace Park.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seletar_Aerospace_Park

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownFebruary 9, 2014 at 3:19 PM

    Good thinking: but there isn't enough land for an aviation hub. However, I will look for further inputs from experts

    ReplyDelete
  5. AbhishekFebruary 10, 2014 at 3:58 AM

    Yes I agree with You sir....Aviation Hub will require huge space of land....at least 100 acres +....which I think Govt has in nearby places like Kalyani....even Bangalore Aerospace Park is being planned 60+ km away from the city.... http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/bangalores-aerospace-park-may-get-threefold-bigger/article4930430.ece

    However in New Town, since we do not have that much large parcel of land, we can try to make it a world class centre of Technology R&D and Finance. AT least Finance , initial work has been done with good momentum....lets not loose it...

    ReplyDelete
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