Kolkata West International City

Kolkata West International City is a satellite township development across 390.2 acres (1.579 km2) with 6,100 bungalows, four highrise residential towers, three IT parks, a 13-acre (53,000 m2) club, a 200-bed hospital, two schools and shopping and entertainment zones, in Howrah. Located on Howrah-Amta Road, just off NH 6, it is around 9 km (6 mi) from Benoy Badal Dinesh Bag, in the heart of Kolkata (earlier called Calcutta) and 12 km (7 mi) from Vidyasagar Setu linking Kolkata with Howrah. It is a tripartite venture involving the Salim and Ciputra groups from Indonesia and the Universal Success Group of Jakarta-based Non Resident Indian Prasoon Mukherjee.[1]

Contents

Project

The project is considered to be one of the largest foreign direct investments in township projects in India.[2] The foundation plaque was unveiled by Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, Chief Minister of West Bengal, on 15 February 2006. Speaking on the occasion, he felt that the Rs 2,500-crore (25 billion) township would provide the “right impetus” to growth on the western bank of the river Hooghly. The project is expected to be home to nearly 36,000 people.[1]

The project is being executed in collaboration with Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority. The promoters claim that space and nature will blend with structural innovation and modern design in this project. Consisting of 2-4 bedroom G+1 storey villas, the project is spread over acres of pristine greenery and has over 5000 units within gated communities which will enjoy facilities like parks, playgrounds, commercial complexes etc.[3] The entire project is expected to be completed and delivered by 2010. [1]

Kolkata West International City Pvt Ltd, the joint venture company building the township, commands a combined turnover of $20 billion-plus. Salim and Universal Success are investors in the project, Ciputra the developer and Singapore-based Surbana the project manager.[1]

Opposition

The Howrah elite is protesting against the name of the project and are demanding that the word ‘Kolkata’ be dropped from the name.[4] Eyebrows have been raised over Howrah Municipal Corporation agreeing to supply 2 million gallons of water per day, as it is unable to supply water to many areas.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Saha, Subhro (14 April 2006). "West wake-up". A sprawling satellite township that promises a slew of facilities and can house 36,000 people may change the face of Howrah. The Telegraph. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060414/asp/propertt/story_6096803.asp. Retrieved 2007-03-26. 
  2. ^ Chattopadhya, Suhrid Sankar. "Focus: West Bengal". Changing Phase. Frontline, Vol 24, Issue 2, Jan 27–Feb 09 2007. http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2402/stories/20070209003411800.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-26. 
  3. ^ "Kolkata West International". http://www.axiomestates.com/kol_west.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-26. 
  4. ^ Mukherjee, Mita. "Howrah Cry to alter name". The Telegraph, 10 January 2007. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070110/asp/calcutta/story_7239332.asp. Retrieved 2007-03-26. 
  5. ^ Jain, Rupam. "Civic body’s decision to sell water to Salim project earns flak". The Statesman, 26 March 2007. http://www.thestatesman.net/page.arcview.php?date=2007-03-26&usrsess=1695163791873&clid=23&id=178495. Retrieved 2007-03-26. 

External links

Development hubs in West Bengal

Asansol–Burnpur (IISCO Steel Plant) · Baruipur · Dankuni · Durgapur (Durgapur Steel Plant) · Haldia
Kolkata West International City · Calcutta Riverside · Mejia · Nayachar · Raghunathpur · Rajarhat · Salanpur · Salboni · Singur · Uluberia

http://thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=361405&catid=42

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