Kolkata Port invites bids to transform three vintage river vessels into floating cultural venues
The move was inspired by the transformation of the vintage paddle steamer PS Bhopal, which was originally built in 1944, into the popular heritage cruise 'Bengal Paddle' in 2022.
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Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Indian Express
Hooghly's heritage takes to water: Kolkata port plans floating cafés and museums
Wriiten by Sharadiya Mitra The Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), is offering a new opportunity to hospitality brands, tourism operators, and innovators to revolutionise tourism along the Hooghly river. The port invites proposals to repurpose three historic pilot launches—P.L. Rupsa, P.L. Hooghly, and P.L. Gopal—into floating spaces for culture, leisure, and tourism. These vessels, once key to guiding ships on the Hooghly since the late 1990s, are ready for a second life as cafés, museums, and public attractions. 'Inspired by the success of ventures like 'Bengal Paddle', SMP Kolkata envisions converting heritage vessels into floating cafés, museums, cruises, and event spaces. This initiative aims to preserve maritime history while enhancing community participation,' said Sanjay Mukherjee, Senior Public Relations Officer at SMPK. P.L. Rupsa and P.L. Hooghly, built in 1997, are steel-hulled and measure 32.90 metres each. Each offers 1,000-2,000 sq ft of usable space, with a capacity of 50-100 guests. P.L. Gopal, built in 1994 with a fiberglass hull, is 19.00 metres long and offers 800-1,000 sq ft, suitable for 30–50 guests. These structurally sound vessels are ideal for adaptive reuse and show strong potential as heritage tourism assets. Mukherjee added, 'SMP Kolkata is also offering free berthing at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) for retrofitting, along with complimentary jetty space for passenger and staff movement during operations. This is part of a broader mission to revive Kolkata's riverfront by blending culture, tourism, and commerce, while honoring its maritime heritage.' The project marks a bold step in reimagining Kolkata's riverfront. By turning historic vessels into floating landmarks, SMPK aims to merge tradition with innovation — a push for sustainable tourism. The writer is an intern with The Indian Express, Kolkata.
Deccan Herald
14-05-2025
- Deccan Herald
Kolkata Port invites bids to transform three vintage river vessels into floating cultural venues
The move was inspired by the transformation of the vintage paddle steamer PS Bhopal, which was originally built in 1944, into the popular heritage cruise 'Bengal Paddle' in 2022.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Time of India
Kolkata Port invites bids to transform 3 vintage river vessels into floating cultural venues
The Kolkata port authorities launched an initiative to repurpose three historic river vessels into floating venues for tourism, culture, and leisure, an official said on Wednesday. The move was inspired by the transformation of the vintage paddle steamer PS Bhopal, which was originally built in 1944, into the popular heritage cruise ' Bengal Paddle ' in 2022. Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP), Kolkata, earlier known as Kolkata Port Trust , invited proposals from entrepreneurs and creative partners to convert the decommissioned pilot launches-PL Rupsa, PL Hooghly, and PL Gopal-into attractions such as floating cafes , museums, and heritage cruise boats and even wedding venues along the Hooghly River, the official said. These retired vessels from the late 1990s used to guide ships along the river Hooghly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning Health News Undo This initiative is part of SMP Kolkata's broader plan to rejuvenate the city's historic riverfront, transforming it into a vibrant destination that blends heritage, commerce, and contemporary culture. Built in 1997, PL Rupsa and PL Hooghly feature steel hulls, measure 32.90 metres in length, and offer up to 2,000 sq ft of usable space-suitable for accommodating 50 to 100 guests. Live Events The smaller PL Gopal, constructed in 1994 with a fibreglass-reinforced plastic hull, offers up to 1,000 sq ft of space and can host 30 to 50 people. "These vessels offer significant potential to become revenue-generating heritage assets," the SMP official said. To encourage participation, the port is offering free berthing at the Kolkata Dock System (KDS) for retrofitting and complimentary jetty space for boarding and operational activities during service.
