Commuters pass under the illuminated Kalighat Skywalk. File.
| Photo Credit: PTI
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has inaugurated the longest skywalk in the city which will connect SP Mukherjee Road to Kolkata’s famous Kalighat temple. The opening came on the eve of Poila Baishak (Bengali New Year) amid calls for peace, and communal harmony among the people of the State.
Many regions of West Bengal have been tense since April 8 after anti-Waqf protests turned violent in Murshidabad, which led to the deaths of three people. Further violence erupted in Bhangar on April 14. Cases of arson were reported from both places.
“Everybody has the right to conduct peaceful protests, but only after securing permission. No one should take law into their own hands. There may be provocation from various factions, but do not fall prey to that,” Ms. Banerjee said as tension continues to grip many parts of the State.
As she wished people for the Bengali New Year, she urged people to maintain peace.
Religious tourism
Along with the skywalk, Ms. Banerjee also inaugurated the renovated Kalighat temple and a new Hawkers Corner for street vendors. Chief guest and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor Firhad Hakim was also present.
The Chief Minister offered prayers at the Kali temple after inaugurating the 440m long, 16m high skywalk, constructed by the KMC.
Construction of the skywalk started in October 2021 after a two-year delay. KMC engineers encountered multiple obstacles: high-tension electricity lines, encroachments, and water supply lines.
A similar skywalk was built at the Dakshineswar Kali temple in 2018 in Kolkata, which is 340 metres long and 10 metres wide. While inaugurating it the CM had promised to build one for Kalighat. Both aim to promote religious tourism.
Published – April 15, 2025 01:51 am IST