Archive · 22 Jul 2026
College Street Book Shops Safe
College Street in Kolkata, famous for its book shops, will not be completely turned into a vehicle-free zone or have its book shops demolished.
The government plans to make selected areas vehicle-free with cycle tracks and battery-operated vehicles.
The redevelopment aims to keep the street's historic feel while making it cleaner and more organized.
They want to have uniform book stalls and add things like heritage trams, vintage lamp posts, seating areas, and free Wi-Fi.
The main road will stay open for traffic.
The government is also thinking about creating a similar space in Asansol.
College Street book shops will not be razed.
Selected stretches will be made vehicle-free with cycle tracks and battery-operated vehicles.
Redevelopment aims to preserve the historic identity of College Street.
Uniform book stalls and modern amenities like free Wi-Fi are planned.
The main connecting road will remain unaffected for now.
- Who
- Agnimitra Pal, Bengal Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister
- What
- Assurance that College Street book shops will not be razed and plans for redevelopment
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- College Street, Kolkata
- Why
- To preserve the historic identity of College Street while making it cleaner, more organized, and attractive to visitors
Preservation of Traders' Livelihoods
Modernization and Pedestrian-Friendly Space
Traders' Livelihoods
Preservation of Traders' Livelihoods
The government aims to preserve the livelihoods of small traders who have operated from the pavements for decades.
Modernization and Pedestrian-Friendly Space
The redevelopment plan seeks to modernize the area, making it cleaner and more organized, which may impact traditional trading practices.
Vehicle-Free Zones
Preservation of Traders' Livelihoods
Selected stretches will be made vehicle-free, but the main connecting road will remain unaffected to maintain traffic flow.
Modernization and Pedestrian-Friendly Space
The plan aims to create a pedestrian-friendly environment with cycle tracks and battery-operated vehicles, reducing vehicular traffic.
- Location
- College Street, Kolkata
- Minister Involved
- Agnimitra Pal
- Proposed Changes
- Uniform book stalls, cycle tracks, battery-operated vehicles, heritage-themed trams, vintage-style lamp posts, seating areas, free Wi-Fi
- Inspiration
- London’s Oxford Street
- Additional Plans
- Similar space in Asansol