Archive · 23 Jul 2026
College Street may get vehicle-free zones
The government in Kolkata wants to make some roads near College Street vehicle-free, allowing only bicycles and small electric cars.
They also want to make the bookstalls look the same and ensure hawkers follow the rules.
The minister visited the area and talked to the police about enforcing these rules.
Hawkers are worried about being evicted, but the government says no one will be removed before the Puja festival.
The plan aims to make the area better for walking and reading.
The state government plans to turn certain roads in College Street into no-vehicle zones.
Only bicycles and battery-operated vehicles will be allowed on these roads.
Bookstalls will have a uniform design, and the government is not planning to evict any booksellers.
Urban development minister Agnimitra Paul visited College Street to inspect the area and enforce hawker regulations.
Hawkers are concerned about potential evictions, but the government assured no evictions until Puja.
- Who
- Kolkata state government and urban development minister Agnimitra Paul
- What
- Proposal to turn certain roads in College Street into no-vehicle zones with reading zones
- When
- Proposal under consideration, with public input invited
- Where
- College Street, Kolkata
- Why
- To create a pedestrian-friendly environment and promote reading
Government's Plan
Hawkers' Concerns
Vehicle Restrictions
Government's Plan
The government plans to restrict vehicles to only bicycles and battery-operated vehicles on certain roads in College Street.
Hawkers' Concerns
Hawkers are concerned about potential disruptions to their businesses due to the changes.
Hawker Regulations
Government's Plan
The government is enforcing rules to ensure hawkers do not occupy more than one-third of the pavement's width.
Hawkers' Concerns
Hawkers are worried about potential evictions and the impact on their livelihoods.
- Location
- College Street, Kolkata
- Proposed Roads for Vehicle Restrictions
- Pyari Sarkar Street, Bankim Chatterjee Street, Shyama Charan Dey Street
- Allowed Vehicles
- Bicycles and battery-operated vehicles
- Uniform Look
- Bookstalls will have a uniform design
- Public Input
- Government invites suggestions from the public
- Hawker Rules
- Hawkers can occupy one-third of a pavement's width
- Eviction Policy
- No evictions until Puja